India’s medical device industry is on a fast track, projected to touch a staggering USD 50 billion by 2030. But there’s a catch—the country is facing a serious shortage of certified biomedical engineers, the very professionals who keep the healthcare machinery running smoothly. To tackle this challenge, the Indian Biomedical Skill Consortium (IBSC) at the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) is stepping in with a bold mission: to build not just skills, but globally recognized careers for India’s biomedical engineers.

Since its launch, the IBSC has already made a remarkable impact. More than 6,500 professionals have undergone specialized training, and over 3,500 certifications have been awarded under NSQF-aligned programs. Students have gained hands-on exposure through 10,000 visits to medical device manufacturing units, while over 200 partnerships with universities and colleges ensure that education and industry go hand in hand.

“The launch of IBSC at AMTZ was a transformative moment for India’s biomedical workforce,” said Dr. Jitendra Sharma, Executive Chairman of IBSC and MD & Founder CEO of AMTZ. “Our main objective is to build not just skills but a well-recognized global career for biomedical engineers. With this initiative, India will strengthen its healthcare system while exporting talent worldwide at the same time.”

What sets IBSC apart is the direct access students get to state-of-the-art facilities within AMTZ’s 270-acre medical technology hub in Visakhapatnam. From biomaterials testing and electromagnetic compatibility labs to 3D printing, lasers, MRI magnets, gamma irradiation, molding, and machining, students experience first-hand the technologies shaping modern healthcare. This practical immersion, combined with classroom learning, ensures that graduates are ready to step into the workforce confidently.

The significance of this training was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when AMTZ played a pivotal role in producing ventilators, oxygen concentrators, RT-PCR kits, and mobile labs, demonstrating the real-world relevance of skills imparted through IBSC programs.

“Healthcare technology is evolving rapidly, and the demand for skilled professionals is only growing,” said Mr. Naresh Kumar Nitturi, National Coordinator, IBSC-AMTZ. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between education and industry, equipping biomedical engineers not just with theoretical knowledge but with verified skills and certifications recognized nationally and internationally.”

With initiatives like IBSC, India is not just addressing a domestic skills shortage—it’s preparing a future-ready workforce that can compete on the global stage. As the country’s medical device sector continues to expand, the IBSC’s work promises to ensure that India’s biomedical engineers are equipped, recognized, and ready to lead the way.