Kolkata Medtech Startup Innovodigm Raises Rs 5.5 Crore Seed Funding Led by IAN Group

By: WE Staff | Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Innovodigm, a medtech company revolutionizing vaccine delivery through its proprietary needleless patch platform, has raised INR 5.5 crores in a seed funding round led by the IAN Group. Based out of Kolkata, the funding will accelerate the development and clinical readiness of the company’s patented Microneedle Array Patch (MAP) — a painless, thermostable, and sharps-free vaccine delivery platform designed to address critical global immunization gaps.

IAN contributed ₹4.5 crore, with the remaining amount invested by PadUp Ventures. The company plans to utilize the funding for process optimization, infrastructure scaling, and team expansion to support third-party preclinical validation and prepare for upcoming clinical trials.

Founded in 2020 by Dr. Jhimli Manna and Dr. Ayan Chatterjee, and based in Kolkata, Innovodigm is developing India’s first micro-array patch for vaccines, offering a transformative alternative to traditional injectable immunizations. Designed to overcome challenges such as cold-chain dependency, medical waste, and needle-stick injuries, the MAP uses thermostabilized vaccines that remain viable for up to 120 days at 40°C, eliminating the need for refrigeration and enabling outreach to remote, underserved areas.

Dr. Jhimli Manna, CEO of Innovodigm, said, “Spinning out from IIT Kharagpur’s Microelectronics and MEMS Lab has been fundamental to our scientific foundation. Our MAP platform reflects India’s ability to lead in affordable, scalable vaccine delivery that serves both national and global public health goals. With the support of IAN, we’re now well-positioned to take this innovation from lab to field and create real-world impact.”

Padmaja Ruparel, Co-founder, IAN Group, said, “Innovodigm has the potential to fundamentally alter the vaccine distribution landscape, particularly in areas where cold-chain logistics and access are significant obstacles. The microneedle platform, in our opinion, has the potential to enable last-mile vaccination and lessen the worldwide medical waste load. This is a remarkable health-tech opportunity because of the team’s deep-tech base, as well as its well-defined manufacturing and regulatory path.”

The funding will be used to set up production facilities, strengthen the team, and complete testing with a leading vaccine manufacturer. Clinical trials are expected to begin next year.

The MAP platform has garnered notable recognition, including selection as a Top 2 Technology at the Nano Electronics Showcase 2025 by the Ministry of Electronics & IT, and as a top innovation at the G20 Summit under the National Health Mission. The company has signed a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) with a leading Indian vaccine manufacturer for third-party validation, with clinical trials scheduled to commence next year.

With plans to expand across India and other low- and middle-income countries, Innovodigm aims to adapt its patch for various vaccines, including measles, hepatitis, flu, and COVID-19 boosters. The company is also working on building local manufacturing hubs so that patches can be made closer to where they’re needed most.

The patch is protected by a patent and offers several advantages — it’s easy to use, needle-free, requires minimal training, and helps reduce vaccine waste.