Digital tech at the centre of $1bn planned investment of Wipro-GE HealthCare's Indian JV 

Wipro GE Healthcare, a joint venture between GE Precision Healthcare (USA) and Wipro Enterprises Limited, announced in March its plans to invest $1 billion in India over the next five years to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities and R&D infrastructure.

Shedding light on the investment, Girish Raghavan, Vice President of the Bengaluru-based GE Healthcare Technology Center, highlighted the significant emphasis on digital technology. “A large share of this investment is directed towards R&D, with a notable focus on advancements in the digital space, particularly AI. Our Technology Center in Bangalore is central to these efforts, driving innovation and building critical capabilities,” he said in an interview with TechCircle. Raghavan is also the chief technology officer for Women's Health and X-Ray at the firm.

As the company’s largest R&D hub globally, the 30-year-old center in Bengaluru plays a pivotal role in its innovation strategy. The center has over 2,000 employees of the total 4,500 strength of Wipro GE Healthcare in India. It houses the largest pool of data scientists within the organization, who are dedicated to developing cutting-edge models in key areas of expertise. The key area of focus includes AI and data science, cybersecurity, cloud, 5G, and wireless. 

Wipro GE Healthcare also has dedicated facilities for 5G innovation and cybersecurity. The 5G innovation lab, a one-of-kind hub for the company globally, is focused on experimenting and prototyping solutions in wireless technology. “The lab focuses on healthcare-specific applications, testing how these technologies can enhance connectivity and care delivery in under-resourced areas. Although widespread implementation is still a few years away due to the complexity and scale of adoption, the lab plays a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare,” Raghavan noted.

Established in 1990, the Wipro GE Healthcare joint venture’s operations span across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Bhutan. The company intends to concentrate its technology operations to Bengaluru and has no plan for expansion for now. Raghavan said that the centralized approach fosters collaboration, enabling efficient communication and innovation.

Apart from technology, Bengaluru is also home to Wipro GE Healthcare’s manufacturing front with four plants. The most recent facility was launched in 2022 under the Government’s Production-Linked Incentive with an investment of above ₹100 crore. 

A giant in medical device manufacturing, design and distribution, GE HealthCare now plans to export its PET/CT scanner called Discover IQ that is made in India to 15 different countries. Several other products, including different types of CT scanners and MR (magnetic resonance) breast coils, will be manufactured in India for the world, the company said during the billion-dollar investment in India announcement.

GE HealthCare reported global revenues of $19.6 billion increasing 7% year-over-year in 2023. The company has given an organic revenue growth guidance of 4% in 2024.