The Andhra Pradesh Medical Technology Zone (AMTZ) in Visakhapatnam has said the establishment of a greenfield ‘Global MedTech University’. AMTZ will collaborate with industry players for this academic institution's pursuit in a public-private partnership model. Set to commence operations from the 2025-26 academic year, the university will offer a range of academic programs related to medical technology and regulatory affairs, including an MBA (medical regulatory approvals and entrepreneurship), MTech (medical technology devices), MTech (bioengineering), and PhD courses.

With the MedTech Zone housing nearly 140 companies, students will receive hands-on training within the campus, with industry experts serving both as faculty and potential recruiters.

“One reason for this could be the lack of proper educational avenues and research opportunities in the field of medical technology and regulatory affairs. This university aims to bridge the gap between the medical technology device industry's growing manpower requirements”, said Prof Purushotham.

“Despite the presence of hundreds of medical technology companies, these organisations often have to recruit regular graduates and postgraduates, subsequently training them to meet specific industry needs. This first-of-its-kind institute in the country, being established by AMTZ, will directly address the unique requirements and expectations of the industry. The courses offered will give aspiring students a distinct advantage, as hundreds of recruiters are eagerly waiting for skilled and trained pupils”, said Prof Purushotham, who previously served as the CMD of the National Research Development Corporation and the DPIIT-IPR Chair Professor at Andhra University.

“The university will collaborate with leading international institutions in the field to broaden its horizons, expand its reach and technological capabilities, and engage in ever-evolving learning experiences in the medical technology domain. Admission criteria and other modalities will soon be finalised. Industry experts will not only serve as faculty but also provide students with hands-on training throughout the course, ensuring they are perfectly suited to the roles and demands of the industry”, added Prof Purushotham.

Meanwhile, Andhra University relieved Prof Purushotham of his duties as the DPIIT-IPR Chair professor on September 6. Vice-Chancellor Prof G. Sashi Bhushana Rao and registrar Prof Dhananjaya Rao congratulated him, acknowledging his significant contributions and the lasting impact he has made in fostering an intellectual property rights (IPR) culture within the university. Several IPR courses were announced under the leadership of Prof Purushotham , including a one-year program in IPR and making the IPR a mandatory credit course for all students on the campus.