In a major boost to Make in India and the medical technology sector, VoxelGrids a Zoho backed Indian startup, has developed India’s first indigenous MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner. This achievement reduces India’s dependence on imported diagnostic equipment and strengthens domestic healthcare infrastructure.
About MRI Scanner
- VoxelGrids has successfully designed and built a 1.5-tesla MRI scanner which has been deployed at the Chandrapur Cancer Care Foundation near Nagpur.
- The project is the result of a 12-year effort led by Arjun Arunachalam, founder of VoxelGrids.
- Until now India relied almost entirely on foreign companies like Siemens and GE Healthcare for MRI machines.
Key Features of the Indigenous MRI Scanner
- Magnetic field strength: 1.5 tesla (standard for clinical diagnostics)
- Indigenously designed and manufactured in India
- Does not use liquid helium, unlike conventional MRI machines
- Around 40% cheaper to build compared to imported MRIs
- Includes technological innovations, not just a copy of foreign models
Significance of the Development
- Reduces India’s dependence on imported medical diagnostic equipment
- Lowers the cost of MRI scans, improving affordable healthcare access
- Strengthens self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in medical technology
- Encourages innovation in India’s medtech startup ecosystem
- Improves availability of advanced diagnostics in tier-2 and rural regions
Background and Static Information
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- A non-invasive diagnostic technique
- Uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves
- Widely used for detecting cancer, brain disorders, spinal injuries, and soft tissue problems
VoxelGrids
- Indian medtech startup backed by Zoho
- Focuses on building advanced medical imaging technology domestically
Make in India & Healthcare
- Medical devices are a priority sector
- Indigenous manufacturing helps reduce costs and imports
Quick Points
- Startup: VoxelGrids
- Founder: Arjun Arunachalam
- Backed by: Zoho
- MRI strength: 1.5 Tesla
- Special feature: No liquid helium, ~40% cheaper
- Location deployed: Chandrapur, near Nagpur
- Importance: Make in India, affordable healthcare
Question
Q. Which Indian startup has developed India’s first indigenous MRI scanner?
A) Medtronic India
B) VoxelGrids
C) Biocon MedTech
D) Tata MedTech
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