IIT Delhi and Wadhwani Foundation launch a Centre of Excellence in AI-powered precision healthcare to speed innovation from lab to market.
The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has joined hands with the Wadhwani Foundation to open a cutting-edge Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Precision and Personalised Healthcare under the Wadhwani Innovation Network (WIN). The inauguration, held on August 13 at IIT Delhi’s Research and Innovation Park, was led by Dr Ajay Kela, CEO and board member of the Wadhwani Foundation, and Prof Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi.
The launch brought together prominent figures from India’s research, healthcare, and technology sectors. Distinguished attendees included Dr Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation; Dr Taruna Madan, Scientist G and Head of the Division of Development Research at ICMR; Rajiv Nath, Forum Coordinator at AiMeD; Goutam Bhattacharya, CEO of the Life Sciences Sector Skill Development Council; Dr Nikhil Agarwal, Managing Director of FITT at IIT Delhi; and Gagan Sharma, CEO of Proxmed Australia.
Focusing on Next-Generation Healthcare Technologies
The newly launched WIN Centre at IIT Delhi aims to become a hub for healthcare innovation by focusing on emerging technologies that can transform patient care. As per the official release, Phase 1 of the project will concentrate on:
- Personalised medicine and rehabilitation
- Bio-imaging and AI as diagnostic tools
- Assistive technologies for the elderly and disabled
- Customised implants
- Low-cost wearables
- Affordable diagnostic tools
The overarching mission is to bridge the gap between research and real-world applications, enabling innovations to reach the market faster and benefit patients directly. By fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and government agencies, the centre hopes to position India as a global leader in healthcare innovation.
Part of a Larger National Innovation Push
This CoE is just one part of a massive nationwide initiative by the Wadhwani Foundation. Backed by an investment of over ₹1,400 crore, the initiative was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Yugm Innovation Conclave on April 29.
The Wadhwani Innovation Network plans to establish multiple Centres of Excellence across India’s top institutions, targeting strategic and high-impact sectors such as:
- Semiconductors
- Quantum technology
- Space technology
- Advanced computing
- Healthcare
By building this interconnected innovation ecosystem, the Foundation aims to accelerate India’s transition from a technology adopter to a technology creator and exporter.
IIT Delhi’s Role and Vision
Speaking at the inauguration, Prof Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, emphasised the institute’s unique strengths in biomedical technologies, artificial intelligence, and engineering.
“Through the WIN Centre, IIT Delhi will channelise its expertise towards delivering tangible healthcare innovations—from precision diagnostics and personalised treatments to affordable medical devices. Our goal is to create solutions that not only address India’s healthcare challenges but also set new benchmarks for global impact,” he said.
This vision reflects IIT Delhi’s broader commitment to tackling pressing societal problems through multidisciplinary research and entrepreneurship support.
Why Precision and Personalised Healthcare Matters
The shift from “one-size-fits-all” treatments to precision and personalised healthcare is transforming the medical landscape worldwide. Using advanced diagnostics, data analytics, and AI, doctors can now tailor treatments to an individual’s unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment—improving effectiveness while reducing side effects.
In India, where healthcare access and affordability remain significant challenges, innovations like low-cost wearables, assistive devices, and AI-driven diagnostics could bridge gaps in rural and underserved areas.
The WIN Centre’s focus on affordable and scalable solutions aligns with national priorities, ensuring that technology breakthroughs benefit not just urban elites but communities across the country.
A Step Towards a Healthier, Innovation-Driven Future
The partnership between IIT Delhi and the Wadhwani Foundation symbolises a powerful synergy between academic excellence and philanthropic commitment. By combining IIT Delhi’s research capabilities with the Wadhwani Foundation’s mission-driven investment, the new Centre of Excellence could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian healthcare.
If successful, the innovations emerging from this initiative could find global applications, cementing India’s reputation as a frontrunner in affordable, cutting-edge medical technology.
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