Seven years ago, two Bengaluru-based innovators set out to make cancer diagnostics accessible, efficient, and affordable, especially in underserved areas such as tier 2 and 3 cities. Their efforts have paid off, with Dr. Narayana Subramaniam, a head and neck surgical oncologist, and Hardik Pandya, an IISc engineer-scientist, securing a prestigious Rs 20.6 crore ($2.4 million) U-01 grant from the US National Institutes of Health.
Their prototype, a rapid, low-cost oral cancer screening platform, stands out among global entries. Developed in collaboration with GE Healthcare, the platform utilizes advanced imaging technology to detect cancer by analyzing cells from the human body, initially focusing on oral cancer. Dr. Subramaniam highlighted the challenges of current diagnostic methods, where patients must travel multiple times to hospitals, often delaying diagnoses by weeks—especially in rural areas. This platform aims to reduce these barriers by enabling on-site digital imaging, with results sent online for analysis.
The duo’s affordable, portable diagnostic device will be a game-changer, especially in India, where oral cancer is a major health concern. They aim to complete validation and start mass production in five years. If successful, the platform could be expanded to detect other cancers, like cervical and breast cancer, further transforming cancer care in underserved regions.
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