An Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IEDC) aimed at strengthening medical research and supporting healthcare start-up initiatives has been launched at the Government Medical College, Kozhikode.

The unit was officially inaugurated as part of the All India Oncoscope Oncology Summit, a national oncology conference held recently.

The centre was inaugurated by Ranjini K., Vice Principal of Kozhikode Medical College and Professor of Ophthalmology.

The initiative is part of efforts to transform government medical colleges in the State into innovation hubs and promote technology-driven healthcare solutions and medical entrepreneurship.

Rojith K. Balakrishnan, Assistant Professor of Medicine and IEDC Nodal Officer, said the primary objective of the IEDC unit is to encourage students to develop innovative solutions to real-world healthcare challenges. Medical colleges should evolve beyond centres of treatment and academics into hubs of research, innovation and start-up development.

An ‘Ideathon Challenge’ organised as part of the programme drew participation from nearly 150 medical students from various colleges across Kerala. Students presented several ideas and projects aimed at addressing healthcare challenges through technology-based solutions. Awards were presented to the best projects.

Representatives of the Young Innovators Programme (YIP) under Kerala Startup Mission, Adarsh Vijayan and Anumaria, interacted with students and offered guidance on innovation, research and start-up opportunities.

Published on May 21, 2026