We Have Evolved Into an Innovation Partner: Divya Prakash Joshi

Hyderabad: We have evolved into an innovation partner': Divya Prakash Joshi

The Medtronic Engineering and Innovation Centre in Hyderabad has evolved from an engineering support facility into a global innovation partner. Divya Prakash Joshi , vice-president of engineering and board member of MEIC, in an interaction with Deccan Chronicle's B.Krishna Mohan, explains how the centre is expanding its role in robotics, AI, neuroscience and connected healthcare while preparing for the next phase of MedTech innovation.

Excerpts:

How has the Hyderabad centre evolved?

We have been in Hyderabad since 2011. During this journey, the centre has matured into an innovation hub. Since 2024, we have deepened our work in robotics through Hugo, neuroscience, imaging and navigation, cardiac technologies, cloud connectivity and AI-enabled software development in partnership with our global operating units.

What are the key areas where Hyderabad teams are contributing?

Our teams are involved in software development, maintenance releases and new product features across multiple portfolios.

In robotics, our work on Hugo focuses on control algorithms, reliability testing, software enhancements and addressing local needs in the regions where it is being used.

In the neuroscience portfolio, the team contributed to the recent launch of Stealth Access, supporting planning software, non-product tool validation and release product management for spinal surgery applications.

In electrophysiological technologies, we have expanded our capabilities in cardiac rhythm management and cardiac ablation systems, strengthening our work in mobile applications, cloud connectivity and AI-enabled software R&D.

Where are these technologies being used?

Hugo was initially launched for various procedures across the world. Following FDA approval, it expanded from urology to gynaecology and general surgery. It builds on Medtronic's strengths in LigaSure and stapling technologies, and we are working on integrating staplers into the platform.

What role will Hyderabad play going forward?

We see ourselves as a global innovation centre rather than a traditional GCC. We started with engineering and innovation, not backend operations. Even our Global IT teams work in areas such as hyperautomation, SAP development and cybersecurity.

We now have close to 1,600 engineers. Our focus is not on headcount but on deepening capabilities in product leadership, software architecture, quality, regulatory affairs and innovation.

Around 75 per cent of our workforce is directly engaged in product innovation, while the remaining teams work in Global IT, supply-chain engineering, manufacturing transfers, supplier optimisation and post-market quality. We have supported more than 200 US patents and over 750 intellectual property disclosures in partnership with our global operating units. Our engineers have been involved in almost 70 per cent of Medtronic's major product launches.

What skills will Medtronic look for?

AI, generative AI, cybersecurity, embedded and enterprise software, biomedical, electronics, electrical and mechanical engineering, product security, quality, regulatory knowledge and programme management will all be important. We are also hiring talent in areas such as data science and cybersecurity.

How is AI changing engineering?

AI will improve software development, coding, documentation, workflow efficiency and supply-chain management. But in a regulated industry like MedTech, there will always be a human in the loop to validate the output. AI will enhance engineers' capabilities, but human validation will remain essential.

What is the road ahead for the Hyderabad centre?

We will continue working with the Telangana ecosystem, academia, clinicians and startups while expanding our contribution to robotics, neuroscience, connected care and cardiac technologies. Our focus is on accelerating innovation and strengthening our role as a software technology centre within Medtronic.