In a landmark move that signals India’s growing ambition to lead the next frontier in medical technology, OIC International (USA), Medi Mold (India), and French additive manufacturing giant AddUp have joined forces to build the country’s first advanced 3D printing facility for orthopedic implants.
The new facility, to be set up within the Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone (AMTZ) in Visakhapatnam, will bring world-class additive manufacturing to India’s orthopedic sector, enabling production of patient-specific, high-precision implants using metal 3D printing technology. This multi-national partnership is a pivotal moment in India’s “Make in India” journey for the medtech space, and a leap forward in medical self-reliance.
For decades, India has depended heavily on imported implants and legacy manufacturing techniques. But this new initiative aims to change that, by combining OIC’s implant design innovation, Medi Mold’s precision engineering capabilities, and AddUp’s industrial-grade 3D printers. Together, they’ll produce implants that are not only cost-efficient but also clinically superior, with faster recovery outcomes and minimal waste.
“This isn’t just about printing implants. It’s about reducing the cost of world-class care, scaling it quickly, and doing it right here in India,” said Shri Shetty, CEO of OIC International. The company’s implants will be manufactured in India for both domestic use and global distribution, ensuring quality care reaches more patients, especially in underserved regions.
At the heart of this project lies the cutting-edge FormUp metal printer from AddUp. It allows manufacturers to create complex geometries and personalized implants that traditional machining simply can’t. This technological leap makes it possible to cater to diverse orthopedic needs, whether it’s joint replacements, spinal fixtures, or trauma implants, with extraordinary precision.
Dr. Jitendra Sharma, MD & CEO of AMTZ, called this a defining moment. “For the first time, 3D printing and modern manufacturing techniques are being harnessed to produce high-quality orthopedic implants in India. AMTZ, with its scientific infrastructure, regulatory pathways, and sterilization capabilities, is the ideal home for this initiative.”
The project doesn’t just promise innovation, it addresses real market gaps. Indian public hospitals have long struggled with access to affordable implants, while private sector patients often face exorbitant costs. This new facility aims to bridge both ends of that spectrum. Implants manufactured here will feed into India’s public procurement systems, helping government hospitals treat more patients at lower cost, while simultaneously serving the fast-growing private healthcare sector.
Julian Marcilly, President of AddUp, highlighted the broader opportunity: “This partnership brings our additive expertise into one of the world’s most promising markets. We’re here not just to sell machines, but to help build a truly scalable medtech ecosystem.”Financial and strategic investors are also watching closely. Sraboni Haralalka of Wodehouse Capital Advisors, the firm facilitating OIC’s India entry, confirmed rising investor interest in the space. “This isn’t just a facility, it’s a blueprint for future medtech scale-ups in India. We’re seeing serious momentum from both financial and healthcare-focused players.”
The venture also reinforces AMTZ’s role as the anchor of India’s medtech ecosystem, acting as a launchpad for collaborative innovation. With its integrated support systems, from quality control to regulatory filing, the park has rapidly emerged as the go-to destination for medical manufacturing in the country.
In the next few weeks, the collaboration is expected to receive final approvals and move into the execution phase, with the first prototype implants set to be produced on-site soon after.
If successful, this alliance could mark the beginning of a larger trend: India not just importing technology, but exporting innovation. From Visakhapatnam to the world, a new era of smart, scalable, and sustainable medical manufacturing is beginning, layer by 3D-printed layer.
