In a major push to integrate cutting-edge technology into oncology, IndiaAI’s Independent Business Division (IBD), in partnership with the National Cancer Grid (NCG), has unveiled the Cancer AI & Technology Challenge (CATCH) Grant Program. The initiative is set to accelerate the development and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions aimed at improving cancer screening, diagnostics, treatment support, and operational efficiency across the country’s healthcare ecosystem.

Under the program, selected project teams will receive grants of up to ₹50 lakh to pilot AI innovations within the NCG’s extensive hospital network. Funding will be jointly provided by IndiaAI and NCG. Importantly, projects demonstrating strong clinical outcomes and operational viability could qualify for a scale-up grant of up to ₹1 crore, enabling broader deployment across the NCG network or integration into national cancer care strategies.

Focus Areas & Opportunities

The CATCH program will prioritise proposals targeting high-impact areas, including:

• AI-powered cancer screening and early detection
• Diagnostic imaging and pathology support
• Clinical decision-making tools
• Patient engagement and care management
• Hospital workflow and resource optimisation
• Research enablement and data curation

Up to 10 projects will be chosen in the current round, with evaluation criteria based on technical maturity, real-world feasibility, and alignment with India’s healthcare priorities. Eligible applicants include start-ups, healthtech companies, academic research groups, and public or private healthcare institutions. Joint submissions between clinical experts and technology developers are strongly encouraged.

Also read: Healthtech Startup Truemeds Secures $85 Mn to Strengthen Non-Metro Fulfilment and Digital Innovation

Responsible AI for Indian Healthcare

A key element of the program is ensuring that AI innovations are ethically developed, clinically validated, and tailored for the Indian healthcare environment. By leveraging the NCG’s clinical network and IndiaAI’s strategic support, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between AI research and practical, scalable cancer care solutions.

Applications for the CATCH Grant are now open via the official IndiaAI-NCG online portal, with the deadline for submissions set for September 2, 2025.

IndiaAI operates under the Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics and IT, as the implementation agency for the IndiaAI Mission—a national initiative dedicated to democratising AI benefits, advancing India’s global AI leadership, promoting tech self-reliance, and ensuring ethical AI adoption across sectors.

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