Healthcare brand Kapiva has launched the Kapiva Innovation Fund, committing up to $5.4 million to advance Ayurvedic research. This fund is designed to support institutions and startups dedicated to developing evidence-based solutions rooted in traditional Indian medicine. The move signals a strategic push to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern scientific validation.
Fostering an Evidence-Based Ayurvedic Ecosystem
The fund's primary objective is to cultivate a research ecosystem for Ayurveda that aligns with global pharmaceutical standards. Kapiva aims to back projects that translate traditional knowledge into clinically validated solutions for contemporary health challenges. This initiative seeks to elevate the scientific credibility and global acceptance of Ayurvedic practices.
Founder Ameve Sharma emphasized that Ayurveda's future lies in being outcome-led and evidence-backed, moving beyond traditional perceptions. He described the fund as a long-term investment in this vision for a scientifically rigorous future. This direction aims to reposition Ayurveda as a credible and verifiable system of medicine.
Comprehensive Support for Ayurvedic Innovation
The Kapiva Innovation Fund is open to a wide range of applicants, including research institutions, PhD scholars, clinicians, and startups. Hospitals and incubators working in Ayurveda, plant-based therapeutics, and integrative health are also encouraged to apply. This inclusive approach aims to capture innovation from across the healthcare and research communities.
Financial support will be tailored to a project's maturity, with investments around INR 50 lakh for early-stage work. For late-stage programs nearing commercialization, the fund will offer substantial capital between INR 4 crore and INR 6 crore. This tiered structure ensures projects receive appropriate funding throughout their development.
Beyond capital, the initiative provides crucial non-financial support to ensure promising ideas become practical solutions. Beneficiaries will gain access to expert mentorship, clinical infrastructure, and essential regulatory guidance. This holistic system is designed to navigate the complex path from research to market.
Targeting Key Areas of Research and Development
The fund will strategically target several key areas to maximize its impact on the field of Ayurveda. These include developing novel formulations, advancing standardization, and applying artificial intelligence. This focus aims to modernize research methodologies and enhance the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments.
Further investment will be directed towards improving clinical study frameworks and pioneering new extraction technologies. The fund will also support bioactive component enhancement and the creation of tech-enabled wellness models. These efforts are crucial for building a modern foundation for Ayurvedic science.
Building on a Foundation of Scientific Rigor
This new fund complements Kapiva's existing commitment to research, which includes robust in-house programs. The company already collaborates with prestigious institutions like the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute and Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences. These partnerships underscore its dedication to integrating scientific validation into its development process.
Kapiva maintains stringent testing protocols for its raw materials, packaging, and finished goods to ensure quality. For instance, several of its Shilajit-based products already carry Certificates of Analysis. The company is progressively extending these high standards across its entire product portfolio.
The launch of the Kapiva Innovation Fund marks a pivotal moment for the Ayurvedic industry, accelerating its evolution into a globally recognized science. By fostering a new generation of research, Kapiva is strengthening its market position while championing the modernization of traditional medicine. This strategic investment aligns with the company's growth trajectory as it moves towards a planned public offering.