In a move that could fundamentally reshape India’s public health infrastructure, Avio Smart Market Stack Limited (ASMS) the entity formerly known as Bartronics India Limited has formalized a strategic alliance with Hyderabad-based Huwel Lifesciences.
The two companies have signed a Share Subscription cum Shareholders’ Agreement, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked in late 2025. Under this deal, ASMS will acquire a minority stake in Huwel, positioning itself to capture a significant share of the net project revenues from large-scale institutional healthcare contracts.
The Game-Changer: Cutting TB Testing Costs by 60%
The centerpiece of this partnership is Huwel’s Quantiplus® MTB FAST platform. A recent Health Technology Assessment (HTA) by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s Department of Health Research has highlighted a staggering cost advantage that could disrupt the current diagnostic landscape.
While the molecular testing systems currently utilized in government programs cost between ₹700 and ₹1,000 per test, Huwel’s platform delivers results at approximately ₹340 per sample.
| Metric | Current Government Systems | Huwel Quantiplus® |
| Cost per Test | ₹700 – ₹1,000 | ₹340 |
| Hardware | Proprietary/Closed Systems | Open RT-PCR Compatible |
| Implementation | High CapEx (New Machines) | Leverages Existing Infrastructure |
Leveraging the COVID-19 Legacy
Beyond the price point, the partnership addresses a critical logistical hurdle. Unlike competitors that require expensive, proprietary hardware, Huwel’s platform is compatible with open RT-PCR systems.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian government installed thousands of RT-PCR machines in labs across the country. Huwel’s technology allows these existing machines to be repurposed for tuberculosis (TB) detection immediately, requiring zero additional capital expenditure for hardware.
A ₹1,000 Crore Opportunity
India’s National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) is one of the largest in the world, conducting nearly one crore (10 million) tests annually. When combining standard detection with drug-resistance testing, the annual molecular TB diagnostics market is estimated at ₹1,000 crore.
The HTA findings suggest that Huwel is now in a “potential monopoly position” within the public sector. With the official validation of its cost-efficiency and scalability now in hand, central and state procurement authorities have a clear pathway to adopt the platform for national distribution.
Strategic Evolution of Avio Smart Market Stack
For ASMS, this agreement marks a pivotal shift from its legacy in identity and financial inclusion into the high-growth life sciences and diagnostics sector.
“The Health Technology Assessment provides important validation for cost-efficient molecular testing within a nationally significant programme,” said Mr. Vidhyasagar Reddy, Managing Director of Avio Smart Market Stack Limited. “Through this strategic collaboration, we are aligning with scalable public health solutions while building our presence in the life sciences segment.”
The company indicated that this is merely the first step in a broader strategy to tap into healthcare opportunities where technology and large-scale public distribution intersect.
By : Vanshika Tayal
