MeitY-NASSCOM CoE Collaborates with Startups to Advance Healthcare Using AI, IoT

Moreover, the CoE supports startups such as Periwinkle, which has developed an AI tool for cervical cancer screening in underserved areas. Another focus is on low-cost, portable diagnostic devices for detecting glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in India.

The MeitY-NASSCOM Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) have announced a partnership with startups, corporates, and healthcare providers to address critical challenges in healthcare.

The initiative aims to improve diagnostics, reduce costs, and bridge the rural-urban divide in medical services.

Sanjeev Malhotra, CEO of the MeitY-NASSCOM CoE, said, “AI and IoT have the potential to change the healthcare landscape in India, especially in making diagnostics accessible and affordable. Our work goes beyond technology; it's about solving real-world healthcare delivery challenges,” he said.

The Centre is focusing on developing AI-powered diagnostic tools and low-cost devices. Moreover, the CoE supports startups such as Periwinkle, which has developed an AI tool for cervical cancer screening in underserved areas. Another focus is on low-cost, portable diagnostic devices for detecting glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in India.

“One of the biggest challenges in Indian healthcare is accessibility, especially in rural regions. Our initiatives aim to bring healthcare to the doorsteps of those who need it most,” Malhotra added.

The CoE has trained over 50,000 professionals under its Future Skills initiative to bridge the talent gap in AI and IoT.

Collaboration with global firms is also a priority. Partnerships with companies such as Siemens Healthineers and AstraZeneca are enabling advanced solutions.

Malhotra noted, “Working with global leaders like Siemens and AstraZeneca helps us bring world-class expertise to Indian startups, enhancing their ability to deliver scalable solutions.”

“The skills gap in AI and IoT is a significant challenge, and our training programmes are designed to bridge this gap, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of technological innovation,” Malhotra said.

Aligned with the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM), the CoE is integrating AI and IoT into healthcare to create a robust digital ecosystem. “The integration of AI and IoT into India’s healthcare system is vital for the success of the National Digital Health Mission. We are working in close alignment with the government to achieve its goals,” he stated.

Looking ahead, the CoE plans to expand its portfolio by onboarding more startups and strengthening collaborations. Malhotra said, “We are constantly exploring new avenues for innovation. Remote patient monitoring and predictive analytics have the potential to revolutionise patient care in India, and we are actively working to bring these technologies to the forefront.”