(Dr. Sudhir Srivastava and team at Nasdaq MarketSite, celebrating SS Innovations International’s listing and India’s global leap in surgical robotics;  Photo Credit: Nasdaq, Inc: Vanja Savic)

India has taken a bold step onto the world stage in surgical innovation. SS Innovations International, the developer of the SSI Mantra robotic surgery system, has marked its official debut on the Nasdaq stock exchange — an event that is not just a business milestone, but a reflection of India’s growing role in shaping the future of healthcare.

The ceremony in New York was led by Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, a pioneer in robotic cardiac surgery and the founder of SS Innovations. As he rang the opening bell at Nasdaq, it wasn’t just a signal of the company’s public trading journey — it symbolized a broader national achievement: India's entry into the elite circle of nations developing advanced, homegrown medical robotics.

A 'Made in India' System for the World

The SSI Mantra is a modular robotic surgical system designed entirely in India. It supports complex procedures using 3 to 5 robotic arms and features a 3D 4K vision system, touch panel interfaces, and surgeon-friendly controls. What makes it stand out, however, is its affordability.

Unlike Western robotic systems, which can cost crores of rupees, the SSI Mantra has been designed to be accessible for developing economies. More than 4,000 surgeries have already been conducted using this system across India — with zero reported injuries or deaths, according to internal data reviewed by peer surgeons.

Now, it has expanded beyond Indian borders. The system has regulatory approval for use in Nepal, Ecuador, Guatemala, the Philippines, Indonesia, Ukraine, and Sri Lanka. Approval processes are underway in the US and the European Union, with FDA and CE clearances expected by late 2025.

A Health System Game-Changer

Access to minimally invasive surgery — where procedures are performed through small incisions using robotic precision — significantly reduces patient recovery time, blood loss, and risk of complications. But for many countries, robotic surgery remains out of reach due to high equipment costs and maintenance expenses.

By reducing the cost barrier, SS Innovations is helping shift this landscape. Its goal, as Dr. Srivastava said at the Nasdaq event, is “to make cutting-edge robotic surgery accessible and affordable for patients worldwide, with India at the forefront.”

This aligns with the broader global push toward democratizing high-end healthcare — a crucial need in low- and middle-income countries where disease burden is high but specialist services are limited.

Financial Growth Reflects Demand

The company’s revenue has grown from $5.9 million in 2023 to $20.6 million in 2024 — a 3.5-fold increase. Gross margins jumped from 12.3% to 40.9%, indicating strong market demand and improved operational efficiency.

According to a Lancet Global Health 2022 study, over 5 billion people globally lack access to safe surgical care. Robotic systems like SSI Mantra, if scaled appropriately, can be instrumental in reducing this gap.

The Road Ahead

The success of SS Innovations sends a strong message: India is no longer just a consumer of imported medical devices — it is emerging as an innovator and exporter. With a clear focus on affordability, safety, and expanding reach, the company could serve as a model for health-tech startups across the Global South.

The Nasdaq bell may have rung in New York, but its echoes are likely to be heard in hospitals and operating rooms across the world.