Indian Researchers Driving Healthtech Innovation in India

India's healthtech sector is witnessing a remarkable transformation fueled by cutting-edge research and innovation. Across the country, institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and other premier research bodies are developing technologies that promise to revolutionize healthcare. 

From AI-driven simulators for neurosurgery to advanced wearable devices and AI-based diagnostic tools, Indian researchers are at the forefront of driving healthtech innovation, making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and effective.

AI-Driven Simulators for Neurosurgery

In January 2024, a landmark collaboration between IIT Delhi and AIIMS Delhi gave rise to AI-driven simulators for training neurosurgeons in minimally invasive microscopic and endoscopic surgical techniques. 

This initiative is a significant departure from the traditional apprenticeship model of surgical training, where learning occurs primarily through observation and hands-on assistance in the operating room.

These advanced simulators incorporate 3D printing to create highly detailed and customized brain models, enabling surgeons to practice procedures on realistic anatomical structures. AI and ML algorithms analyze the surgeon’s performance in terms of precision, speed, and decision-making during simulations, providing real-time feedback. 

Supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), this project introduced a Deep Learning system to evaluate neurosurgeons’ skills in micro-suturing, micro-drilling, and essential endoscopic techniques. 

This innovation aims to standardize training and assessment protocols in neurosurgery, ensuring that surgeons are equipped with the necessary skills for complex brain surgeries.

Breath Sensors & AI for Disease Detection

In February 2024, researchers at IIT Jodhpur developed a groundbreaking human breath sensor, marking a significant advancement in non-invasive health monitoring. This sensor, claimed to be the first of its kind "Made in India" product based on metal oxides and nanosilicon, primarily measures alcohol content in breath, particularly in cases of drunk driving. 

However, its versatility extends to monitoring various diseases such as asthma, diabetic ketoacidosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and sleep apnea, where volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath are indicators of these conditions.

The sensor operates at room temperature and integrates ML algorithms to analyze breath samples, identifying patterns and segregating different VOCs. 

This innovation not only addresses the challenges of air pollution and its impact on human health but also offers a quick, affordable, and non-invasive method for disease detection, with potential applications in both clinical and environmental settings.

AI Models for Fetal Age Estimation

Accurate estimation of fetal age is crucial for ensuring appropriate prenatal care and determining precise delivery dates. Traditional methods of determining fetal age, developed for Western populations, often pose challenges when applied to the Indian population due to variations in fetal growth patterns. 

To address this issue, researchers at IIT Madras and the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) developed an AI model specifically tailored for the Indian population.

The 'Garbhini-GA2' model, part of the 'Interdisciplinary Group for Advanced Research on Birth Outcomes – DBT India Initiative' (GARBH-Ini) program, has undergone validation with Indian population data, significantly reducing errors in fetal age estimation. 

This advancement is expected to enhance the quality of obstetric and neonatal care in India, contributing to the reduction of maternal and infant mortality rates.

Wearable Organohydrogel Sensors

IIT Guwahati has been a leader in developing innovative wearable technology. In February 2024, researchers from the institution introduced a cost-effective, gel-based wearable device capable of recording motion signals. This Organohydrogel sensor has the potential to monitor subtle movements in patients, particularly those in comatose states or with similar conditions.

The sensor, which connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth, provides healthcare professionals with valuable insights into patient conditions, enabling timely interventions. The gel-based sensor exhibits exceptional stretchability, self-healing capabilities, and anti-freezing properties, making it a robust tool for continuous patient monitoring.

Unique Brain Network Identification Number (UBNIN)

In March 2024, IIT Guwahati researchers, in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), developed a novel algorithm named Unique Brain Network Identification Number (UBNIN). 

This algorithm encodes the intricate brain networks of both healthy individuals and patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD), offering a new approach to understanding neurodegenerative disorders.

The UBNIN algorithm analyzes structural brain MRI scans and represents various brain regions as nodes, with connection values weighted to capture the significance of each link. 

This numerical representation is distinct for each brain network and applies to other neuroimaging brain modalities, making it a potentially revolutionary tool for diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative disorders.

Smartphone-Based Glucose Testing & Nanosensors

April 2024 saw a significant breakthrough from IIT Jodhpur, where researchers developed a smartphone-based system for testing glucose levels. This system connects a paper-based analytical device (PAD) to any smartphone using an Android app, enabling the detection of glucose levels quickly and affordably. 

The PADs alter their hue based on the glucose level in the sample, and the system processes the data using ML algorithms to ensure consistent results across different light conditions and smartphone cameras.

The same month, IIT Jodhpur researchers also developed a nanosensor to track disease progression by targeting cytokines, proteins that help control the body’s inflammation levels. 

This sensor, based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, provides rapid diagnosis and progression tracking of various diseases in just 30 minutes. This technology has the potential to transform patient care by enabling faster diagnosis and more targeted treatment.

Radar-Based Mass Monitoring System

In a bid to enhance healthcare monitoring, researchers from the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT-H) unveiled a radar-based system for mass monitoring of heart rates (HR) and breath rates (BR) in April 2024. 

This non-invasive system can monitor up to five patients simultaneously, offering a significant advancement in healthcare, particularly in mass monitoring scenarios during pandemics.

The system utilizes a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) mmWave radar, combined with an advanced algorithm to monitor deviations in HR and BR. The development of this system underscores the potential of radar technology in improving healthcare monitoring and patient care.

AI-Assisted Digital Healthcare Systems

IIT Bhilai and AIIMS Raipur joined forces in April 2024 to introduce an AI-assisted hybrid digital healthcare system aimed at revolutionizing emergency care services. 

This innovative system integrates AI algorithms with a Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) to diagnose conditions such as ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in real time. The system promises to enhance clinical decision-making, particularly in critical care scenarios, and extend quality healthcare to remote areas and resource-limited settings.

Assistive Technology for the Visually Challenged

In June 2024, the National Centre for Assistive Health Technologies (NCAHT) at IIT Delhi, supported by ICMR, unveiled several assistive technology products for the visually challenged. 

These products include Shapescapes, a geometry learning kit; high-quality white canes; and an accessible kit for STEM education. 

Additionally, IIT Delhi researchers introduced SmartCane Version 2 and a refreshable Braille display named Tacread, both aimed at improving independent mobility and education for visually challenged individuals.

In July 2024, IIIT Allahabad, in collaboration with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany, developed an AI tool named Alt4Blind to aid blind and visually impaired individuals in accessing chart images. The tool generates alternative texts (Alt-texts) that provide textual descriptions of visual content within charts, promoting independence and inclusivity for visually impaired users.

Conclusion

Indian researchers are spearheading transformative advancements in healthtech, driving innovation that addresses the diverse healthcare needs of the nation. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and fostering collaboration between research institutions, industry, and healthcare providers, India is positioning itself as a global leader in healthtech innovation, with the potential to improve patient care and outcomes on a massive scale.