Portable AI Device for Early Lung Cancer Detection Developed by IIT-Kanpur Startup and Hospital
In a significant advancement for healthcare technology, Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital in Prayagraj has partnered with Lenek Technologies Private Limited, a startup incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K), to develop a portable, AI-enabled screening device designed for the early detection of lung cancer. This innovative tool aims to revolutionize diagnostic efforts and enhance access to cancer screening, particularly in underserved and remote regions where advanced medical facilities are scarce.
Enhancing Diagnosis and Accessibility
The device leverages artificial intelligence to provide efficient and accurate screening, which is expected to strengthen diagnosis capabilities across India. It has already undergone trial runs by doctors at Kamala Nehru Hospital, a key member of the National Cancer Grid, ensuring its practical applicability in clinical settings. The collaboration highlights a growing trend in leveraging technology to address critical healthcare challenges.
Recognition at International Summit
Recently, the device was showcased at the International AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi, where it received a certificate of achievement under the India AI–NCG CATCH Grant Challenge 2026. An official from Kamala Nehru Hospital emphasized that this recognition underscores the innovation's potential to make a substantial impact on India's healthcare ecosystem, paving the way for broader implementation.
Focus on Rural and Remote Areas
The portable nature of the device is particularly advantageous for rural and remote regions, where access to sophisticated diagnostic tools is often limited. By enabling early detection in these areas, it could lead to timely interventions and improved patient outcomes, addressing a critical gap in cancer care.
Key Contributors to the Project
The development of this device involved a dedicated team of professionals:
- Madhu Chandra, Chief Executive Officer of Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital, who provided strategic leadership.
- Deepu Philip, Professor-in-Charge of Innovation and Incubation at IIT Kanpur, who guided the technological aspects.
- The Lenek Technologies team, including Sidesh Dhakar, Himani Dhariwal, Siddharth Suhane, and Chirag Agrawal, who executed the technical development.
This collaboration between a leading hospital and an IIT-Kanpur startup exemplifies how academic institutions and healthcare providers can work together to create impactful solutions for public health challenges, with the potential to save lives through early cancer detection.
