Malabar Cancer Centre Earns National Acclaim for AI-Driven Oncology Initiatives
Thiruvananthapuram's Malabar Cancer Centre (MCC), an autonomous institute operating under the state government, has achieved significant national recognition for its groundbreaking artificial intelligence projects in cancer care at the prestigious India AI Summit 2026. The centre was prominently featured among the country's leading initiatives that are poised to bring revolutionary changes to cancer treatment through advanced AI applications.
Prestigious Grants and Top Rankings for Innovative Projects
The institute secured a coveted position in the 2026 Catch Grant program, a collaborative initiative jointly established by the India AI National Cancer Grid (NCG) and the Koita Centre for Digital Oncology (KCDO). This recognition highlights MCC's commitment to pioneering AI solutions in oncology.
Another remarkable project, developed in collaboration with MCC's incubation centre MIINT (Malabar Cancer Centre Incubation Innovation Nest) and technology partner Vellitix, achieved a top 10 ranking nationwide. This initiative, titled 'AI Oncology Agent for Evidence-based Summaries, Guideline Support, and Clinical Trial Matching', has garnered substantial national attention for its innovative approach to cancer care.
The AI Oncology Agent represents a significant advancement in medical technology, designed to assist healthcare professionals by rapidly analyzing comprehensive patient treatment data. This powerful tool enables doctors to make more precise and informed clinical decisions, potentially improving patient outcomes through data-driven insights.
Additional Recognition for Value-Based Care Initiative
Another successful project that received significant acclaim is the 'AI Tools for Advancing Value-Based Care in Oncology' initiative, introduced by Doctor Assist AI in collaboration with MCC. This project earned a place among the top 35 projects in the country, with its primary focus on ensuring effective treatment outcomes at reduced costs through innovative 'value-based care' approaches.
MIINT: Fostering Medical Innovation Through Incubation
MIINT, the specialized incubation system established at MCC in 2025 to accelerate the growth of medical technology start-ups, plays a crucial role in bridging innovative ideas in the healthcare sector with practical treatment methodologies. The centre provides comprehensive support including clinical mentorship, practical clinical validation, and expert guidance for addressing complex health sector challenges.
Currently, seven start-ups operating across various health sectors are successfully developing their innovations under the MIINT framework, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in nurturing medical entrepreneurship and technological advancement.
Official Recognition and Celebrations
Dr. Satheesh B, Director of MCC, and Dr. Dheeraj B, Director of Vellitix, formally received the 2026 Catch Grant from Dr. Rajeev Bal, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Krishnan, IT Secretary, during a ceremony held at the Bharat Mandap in New Delhi.
Health Minister Veena George extended her congratulations to the entire MCC team for their substantial contributions to advancing artificial intelligence applications in healthcare, particularly in the critical field of oncology.
