Decade of medical innovation: the journey of BTL India

With a decade of experience, the company aims to bring disruptive technologies to the healthcare industry 

BTL, a prominent leader in the global medical equipment industry, specialises in a wide array of essential healthcare fields, including rehabilitation and orthopaedic therapy, cardiovascular systems, and aesthetics medicine. Originating from the Czech Republic, this esteemed brand boasts an impressive catalogue of over 50 unique products in the market with its in-house marketing and sales distributed across more than 80 countries. With six state-of-the-art research and development centres and two advanced manufacturing units located in Europe, BTL remains at the forefront of medical innovation.

The BTL India R&D center, founded in 2013, situated in Bangalore, stands as a critical pillar within the organisation and ranks as the second largest R&D center in its network. BTL India R&D centre was started to add more products under the BTL product portfolio to support its growing market demands. From its humble beginnings, the company set out to establish itself as a beacon of excellence in the field of healthcare technology.

Journey – Then to Now

During initial days, the focus of BTL India was to build a robust research and development infrastructure, investing heavily in talent and cutting-edge technology aiming to develop innovative solutions to address pressing medical challenges. However, the journey encountered unexpected bumps along the way. In the nascent stages, BTL faced a hurdle as its brand lacked prominence in the Indian medical industry, making it challenging to attract top-tier experts. However, despite this initial setback, BTL swiftly became a preferred choice for many professionals due to its focus on niche products, comprehensive end-to-end product development cycles, and a culture emphasising full ownership and understanding of decision-making rationale. 

Jimmy Joseph, the esteemed Director and Head of BTL-R&D India, has been an integral part of the organisation since its inception in 2013. Reflecting on the early days in India, he reminisces, “We started in a modest single room and gradually evolved into a world-class R&D unit by assembling a team of experts and acquiring cutting-edge equipment across all R&D domains. To date, we have successfully launched seven products into the global market, we are prepared to launch two more in this year.” Expressing his enthusiasm for BTL’s products and culture, he adds, “We are successful in meeting our targets because we prioritise our member’s well – being. At BTL we have the freedom to plan our work and personal lives,  allowing us to achieve true work-life balance.  ”

Today, the company has a complete R&D capability with experts and equipment in all areas of product development with a proven product development system in place. With unique and innovative products, BTL ensures to capture new markets.

The Culture: 

The BTL culture fosters a deep sense of purpose, encouraging individuals to understand the ‘why’ behind their work, leading to empowered decision-making and heightened motivation. With a commitment to end-to-end product development, BTL leadership places trust in its people, avoiding cumbersome bureaucratic processes. Decision-makers are actively involved in project teams, reflecting the organisation’s engineer-centric approach. At BTL, everyone thinks and acts like an engineer, embodying the spirit of an engineer’s company.

At BTL, the emphasis on unique product development often involves creating innovative features without reference to existing products. This necessitates rigorous core research and development to define precise product specifications and requirements, a process markedly different from that of other companies or multinational giants, where requirements are typically clearer from the outset.

Impact and Recognition:

Through this decade of innovation, the company’s impact on the healthcare landscape is undeniable. Its innovative products and solutions have transformed patient care, improving outcomes and enhancing quality of life for countless individuals. Alongside its commercial success, BTL India has been recognised for its commitment to social responsibility, with initiatives aimed at supporting healthcare infrastructure, by helping in the fight against the pandemic. 

BTL India R&D is now “Great place to work” and WELL certified which reflects BTL’s commitment towards employee experience and expectations with respect to workplace safety and satisfaction.

BTL’s investment extends beyond product development to encompass the development and well-being of its people as well.

Looking Ahead:

As BTL India looks to the future, the journey is far from over. Armed with a decade of experience, a talented team, and a spirit of innovation, the company is poised to continue pushing the boundaries of medical technology. With a focus on collaboration, creativity, and impact, BTL India  remains committed to its mission of bringing disruptive technologies to the healthcare industry .