ICMR Invites Proposals for Clinical Evaluation of Medical Device Innovations

As part of the ICMR-Medical Device & Diagnostics Mission Secretariat (MDMS), the CAR scheme focuses on advancing high-priority technologies that address critical public health needs in India.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued an open call for proposals under its Centre for Advanced Research (CAR) scheme.

This initiative is designed to support clinical studies for medical devices and diagnostic technologies developed through the ICMR-DHR-Centre of Excellence (CoE) program at Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and other institutions.

As part of the ICMR-Medical Device & Diagnostics Mission Secretariat (MDMS), the CAR scheme focuses on advancing high-priority technologies that address critical public health needs in India.

It aims to establish a network for clinical validation of innovative medical solutions, ensuring safety, effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.

Focus Areas & Technology Highlights

The CAR scheme focuses on fostering a diverse range of innovative healthcare technologies.

These include ArmAble, a game-based upper limb rehabilitation device designed for stroke patients, and an AI-enabled cervical cancer screening platform that aids pathologists in reviewing digital images for early cancer detection.

It also features an electrochemotherapy device for targeted cancer treatment of soft tissue tumors and an AI-powered portable screening device tailored for cervical cancer screening in primary care settings.

Additionally, the scheme promotes the development of point-of-care (PoC) diagnostic devices that provide instant testing solutions for diseases such as dengue, malaria, and sickle cell anemia, ensuring rapid and efficient disease management.

These technologies aim to address critical healthcare gaps while fostering innovation and accessibility in diagnostics and treatment.

Eligibility & Objectives

The scheme invites proposals from government and non-government organizations with the requisite infrastructure and expertise to conduct clinical evaluation studies.

Eligible technologies should have reached the validation stage, requiring clinical trials to ensure compliance with Medical Device Rules, 2017.

The key objectives include:

Establishing a robust clinical validation network in India.

Promoting innovation and safety standards for medical devices and diagnostics.

Developing effective, regulatory-compliant technologies to meet public health demands.

Funding & Project Scope

Each approved project under the CAR scheme will receive funding of up to INR 15 crore, with a duration of five years.

Successful applicants will have access to state-of-the-art facilities for conducting clinical studies, ensuring comprehensive evaluation and optimization of these medical technologies.

The CAR scheme presents a unique opportunity for researchers and institutions to advance the clinical evaluation of cutting-edge medical devices and diagnostics.

By validating these technologies, the initiative aims to revolutionize healthcare delivery in India, offering innovative solutions that are safe, effective, and tailored to meet critical health needs.

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