Engineering talent finds new avenue in medtech sector in Vizag

Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone in Visakhapatnam, in addition to large-scale industries functioning from their own campuses. According to colleges, the most sought-after skills in this sector include regulatory compliance, AI integration, IoT, and precision manufacturing. Although the numbers remain relatively small compared to overall recruitment, industry experts believe that hiring in this domain is likely to grow in the coming years.

Tech Expertise & Clinical Knowledge

Engineering talent in medical technology combines technical expertise (mechanical, electronics, and software) with clinical knowledge to design, develop, and maintain diagnostic, therapeutic, and patient monitoring devices.

Vikas K Srivastava, deputy director, Venture Development Centre, GITAM Deemed to be University, Visakhapatnam, said the increase in medtech-based companies and startups has been a key factor contributing to recruitment in this sector. “Many of these startups, particularly those operating out of incubators such as Ratan Tata Innovation Hub, Gitam VDC, and similar centres, are actively working in the medical technology domain,” he noted.

He said startups often begin by recruiting students at the internship level, allowing them to identify and train talent early. “Firstly, startups gain access to trained talent that can contribute to product development from an early stage. Secondly, many of these interns are later absorbed as full-time employees, creating a steady pipeline of skilled professionals. For instance, one such startup was founded by a PhD scholar from GITAM University, who collaborated with another alumnus. Together, they are now offering jobs to their juniors, including UG and PG candidates,” said Srivastava.

Medical Technology Hub

In an email response, Kavita Kurup, chief people officer at Cyient, said Visakhapatnam is fast emerging as a hub for advanced engineering and medical technology, supported by a rapidly maturing ecosystem. “Institutions like the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone have been instrumental in providing access to infrastructure, innovation platforms, and a growing base of specialised talent. As medtech converges with AI and digital technologies, the industry is witnessing a fundamental shift — from siloed expertise to deeply integrated, multidisciplinary capability. At Cyient, our focus is on building talent that can operate at this intersection, combining engineering depth with digital fluency and regulatory understanding,” said Kurup.

Dr Naveen PNE, associate professor, head of the Centre for Academic Excellence (CAE), and lead – IIE at NSRIT, Visakhapatnam, said students across disciplines are gradually becoming more aware of opportunities in the medtech domain, which is beginning to reflect in campus recruitment trends. “Both startups and established organisations are actively exploring talent from engineering and science backgrounds for roles in this sector. Institutions are also strengthening the industry–academia interface to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements. These efforts are expected to help build a stronger pipeline of talent for the medtech sector, with recruitment likely to grow further in the coming years,” said Dr Naveen.