Medical Device Clinical Studies Support Scheme (MDCSSS) - SMDI
By Department of Pharmaceuticals
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Quick Answer
A government scheme offering reimbursement grants up to ₹5 crore to support clinical studies for medical devices and IVDs manufactured in India.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹5 Cr
- Funding type
- Subsidy
- Provider
- Department of Pharmaceuticals
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 24 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Department of Pharmaceuticals. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this subsidy
The Medical Device Clinical Studies Support Scheme (MDCSSS) is a crucial component of the broader Scheme for Strengthening of Medical Device Industry (SMDI), launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India. This initiative is designed to bolster India's medical device manufacturing sector by promoting the development of high-quality devices backed by rigorous clinical evidence.
The primary objective of the MDCSSS is to foster the generation of essential clinical data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of medical devices and In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs) developed and manufactured in India. By providing financial support on a reimbursement basis, the scheme aims to reduce the financial burden on manufacturers, enabling them to conduct necessary pre-clinical animal studies, clinical investigations, post-market clinical follow-up, and IVD performance evaluations.
This scheme is vital for enhancing the credibility and market acceptance of 'Made in India' medical devices, both domestically and internationally. It encourages innovation and adherence to global regulatory standards, ultimately contributing to a self-reliant and robust medical device ecosystem in the country. The program is open to a wide range of entities, including established manufacturers, IVD companies, institutes of national importance, and startups operating within incubation centers affiliated with these institutions.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Create a free account to view.
Subsidy providers
The Department of Pharmaceuticals is a department under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India. Created on July 1, 2008, the department was established to provide greater focus for the growth of India's high-potential pharmaceutical industry, one of the…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹5 Cr
What You Get
- Reimbursement grant up to ₹5 crore: Post-completion funding for clinical studies, pre-clinical animal studies, PMCF, and IVD performance evaluations.
- Regulatory compliance support: Funding aligned with valid permissions under Medical Devices Rules 2017 (Test Licence, CI Permission, IVD PE Permission).
- 'Made in India' credibility: Enables generation of clinical evidence to support market acceptance domestically and internationally.
- Broad eligibility: Open to manufacturers, institutes of national importance (NIPERs, IITs, AIIMS, IISc), and incubated startups.
- Disbursement
- Reimbursement
- Duration
- 37 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for the Medical Device Clinical Studies Support Scheme is multi-layered and rigorous to ensure the selection of high-quality and impactful projects. Applications first undergo an appraisal by the Project Management Agency (PMA). Following this, a dedicated Technical Committee reviews the proposals, evaluating the scientific merit, feasibility, and potential impact of the clinical studies. Finally, the Scheme Steering Committee provides the ultimate approval, ensuring alignment with the broader objectives of the SMDI scheme and the Department of Pharmaceuticals. The focus is on robust clinical methodology and relevance to the Indian medical device landscape.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Submit your application and all supporting documents through the SMDI online portal.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary objective of the MDCSSS scheme?
The primary objective is to support the medical device industry by fostering the development of devices backed by clinical evidence and the generation of clinical data for safety and efficacy.
Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
Eligible applicants include medical device manufacturers and IVD manufacturers with facilities in India, Institutes of national importance (NIPERs, IISER, IITs, AIIMS, IISc), other Central Institutes/Laboratories, and startups working in incubation centres under these institutes (applying through the institute).
What types of studies are eligible for funding?
The scheme supports Pre-Clinical Animal Studies, Clinical Investigations, Post-Market Clinical Follow-up (PMCF), and IVD Performance Evaluation.
What is the maximum funding available?
The maximum funding available is up to ₹5 crore for clinical investigations, or up to 70% of expenditure for companies with an average turnover of less than or equal to ₹10 crore.
How is the funding disbursed?
Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, after the completion of the study, verification of results, and publication of findings.
Are there any geographical restrictions for the studies?
Yes, all eligible studies must be conducted within India, and applicants must have a manufacturing facility in India.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
