IndiaAI and National Cancer Grid Launch CATCH Grant Program to Boost AI Innovation in Cancer Treatment.
National
In August 2025, IndiaAI Independent Business Division (IndiaAI IBD), under the Digital India Corporation (DIC) and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), partnered with the National Cancer Grid (NCG), established by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India, to launch the Cancer Artificial Intelligence & Technology Challenge (CATCH) Grant Program. This program aims to foster AI-driven innovations to improve cancer care in India.
- The CATCH Grant Program is designed to accelerate the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions focused on enhancing cancer screening, diagnostics, treatment support, and overall healthcare operations. By leveraging AI, the initiative seeks to strengthen the entire cancer care ecosystem, improving outcomes and accessibility for patients nationwide.
- Co-funded by IndiaAI and the National Cancer Grid, the program offers financial support of up to ₹50 lakh (Indian Rupees Fifty Lakh) per project during the pilot phase. Selected teams, including technology innovators working alongside clinical institutions, will receive this funding to develop scalable AI solutions tailored to cancer care challenges.
- Successful pilot projects will be eligible for additional funding of up to ₹1 crore (Indian Rupees One Crore) from IndiaAI for wider implementation across the extensive NCG network. This expanded support aims to facilitate the adoption of proven AI innovations at a national scale, ensuring greater reach and impact within cancer treatment facilities.
Main Point :- (i) The CATCH Challenge focuses on multiple key areas such as AI-enabled screening, diagnostic assistance, clinical decision support, patient engagement tools, operational efficiency enhancements, research, and data curation.
(ii) Eligible participants include startups, health technology firms, academic institutions, and both public and private hospitals, encouraging a diverse pool of contributors to this critical healthcare challenge.
Minister : Ashwini Vaishnaw
Headquarters: New Delhi
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