AYUSH Innovation Readiness Framework

The AYUSH Innovation Readiness Framework (AIR Framework) is an innovation assessment standard developed by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, and the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, through a structured expert consultation process involving public research institutions, biotechnology agencies, and innovation intermediaries. The framework was formally launched on 23 September 2025, on National Ayurveda Day. The AIR Framework provides a unified, three-dimensional methodology for systematically evaluating the maturity of innovations across the Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) sector. It integrates three progressive readiness scales: the Technology Readiness Level (TRL), which assesses innovation and product development maturity from concept through commercial deployment; the Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL), which evaluates industrial production capability, scalability, raw material standardisation, and quality assurance; and the Service Readiness Level (SRL), which measures service delivery readiness, operational infrastructure, workforce capability, and market adoption maturity. To address the commercial diversity of the AYUSH sector, the framework classifies innovations into six mutually exclusive Innovation Thematic Categories: (1) Clinical Therapeutics and Medical Solutions; (2) Consumer Health and Wellness Products; (3) Professional Services and Knowledge Solutions; (4) Agricultural and Environmental Applications; (5) Manufacturing and Production Services; and (6) Digital Technology, Platform Solutions and Biotech Convergence. Each category has tailored readiness expectations and integration matrices specifying appropriate TRL, MRL, and SRL combinations at different stages of the commercialisation lifecycle. The framework document includes nine sections: purpose, scope and application; innovation thematic categories; TRL assessment (TRL 1–9); MRL assessment (MRL 1–10); SRL assessment (SRL 1–9); an integrated innovation assessment framework with decision matrices; commercial success metrics and validation; implementation guidance for innovators and entrepreneurs; and a conclusion. It also includes three annexures providing the rationale for the TRL-MRL-SRL multi-dimensional approach, a consolidated framework summary, and a glossary of terms. Eight reference tables are included supporting systematic assessment, integration planning, and milestone setting throughout the innovation lifecycle. The framework is intended for use by innovators and startups, research institutions, funding bodies and investors, regulatory agencies, healthcare systems, manufacturing organisations, service providers, and educational institutions operating within the AYUSH ecosystem. It serves as the authoritative reference for innovation assessment, staged funding allocation, regulatory pathway determination, and commercialisation planning within the traditional medicine sector in India, with applicability to other traditional medicine systems globally. Document classification: Innovation Assessment Standard Version: 1.0 Issuing institutions: Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India; All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi Date: 23 September 2025 Pages: 71 Language: English