Roche Drishti HealthTech Challenge by Roche India

The Roche Drishti HealthTech Challenge is an initiative spearheaded by Roche Pharma India. Its core mission is to fast-track the development of groundbreaking digital and technological solutions that can revolutionize patient care across India. A significant emphasis of this program is on enhancing the country's retinal care ecosystem.

This challenge actively seeks to identify and collaboratively develop innovative healthtech solutions. These solutions should support crucial areas such as early disease detection, efficient smart referrals, integrated care pathways, and data-driven decision-making within retinal health. Startups selected for the challenge will engage in close collaboration with Roche India to pilot and scale their solutions. The goal is to address critical gaps currently present in retinal screening, diagnosis, referral processes, and the initiation of treatment.

Beyond direct financial assistance, the program provides extensive industry engagement. This includes valuable mentorship, expert technical guidance, and unique co-development opportunities. These resources empower participating startups to build scalable and impactful solutions that can effectively tackle real-world healthcare challenges.

• Funding up to ₹35 Lakh for innovative healthtech solutions.
• Focus on strengthening India's retinal care ecosystem.
• Collaborate with Roche India for co-development and pilot opportunities.
• Receive expert mentorship and technical guidance.
• Application deadline is January 31, 2026.
• A grant-based program, meaning no equity is taken.

The Roche Drishti HealthTech Challenge is designed for startups that are developing innovative healthtech solutions. The primary focus is on solutions that can transform patient care, particularly within India's retinal care ecosystem. Specific details regarding required startup stage, eligible industries beyond healthtech/retinal care, allowed states, specific entity types (e.g., DPIIT-recognized startup, MSME), or founder requirements are not provided in the available information.

Roche Drishti HealthTech Challenge by Roche India is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for Roche Drishti HealthTech Challenge by Roche India closed on 31 Jan 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Selected startups in the Roche Drishti HealthTech Challenge stand to receive substantial support to advance their innovative healthtech solutions.

Benefits include:

• Financial support: Up to ₹35 Lakh in funding to help develop and scale solutions.
• Mentorship: Access to expert guidance from industry leaders.
• Technical guidance: Support to refine and optimize technological aspects of their solutions.
• Co-development opportunities: The chance to collaborate directly with Roche India on solution development.
• Pilot opportunities: Potential to pilot their solutions with Roche India, enabling real-world testing and scaling.

Roche Drishti HealthTech Challenge by Roche India is offered by Roche Products, a corporate programme. It is delivered directly by Roche Products as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

The selection process for the Roche Drishti HealthTech Challenge involves several key stages to identify high-potential startups.

• Application Submission: Interested startups must first submit their applications through the designated portal.
• Initial Review: Applications are thoroughly reviewed by Roche Products (India) Private Limited.
• Expert Evaluation: Shortlisted applications undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a panel of subject matter experts. This panel comprises professionals from diverse domains including pharmaceuticals, med-tech, venture capital, and regulatory affairs, ensuring a multi-faceted assessment.
• Shortlisting and Final Selection: High-potential startups are then shortlisted based on the evaluations. From this pool, the final winners are selected.
• Program Engagement: Selected startups may subsequently receive funding, mentorship, and pilot opportunities in collaboration with Roche India.

Before you apply to Roche Drishti HealthTech Challenge by Roche India, keep the following documents ready:

• A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
• Company registration documents and PAN
• Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
• Recent financial statements or projections
• Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available

Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.

Roche Drishti HealthTech Challenge by Roche India is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹35L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.