IndiaAI and National Cancer Grid Launch Program to Boost AI Innovation in Cancer Care

The IndiaAI Independent Business Division (IBD), in partnership with the National Cancer Grid (NCG), has launched the Cancer AI & Technology Challenge (CATCH) Grant Program to accelerate Artificial Intelligence innovations in cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment support, and healthcare operations.

The program aims to foster collaboration between technology developers and clinical experts, bringing cutting-edge AI solutions into real-world hospital settings to improve cancer care outcomes across India.

Funding Structure and Benefits

• Pilot Grants: Up to ₹50 lakh per project for up to 10 selected proposals.
• Scale-Up Grants: Additional ₹1 crore for successful pilot projects to enable nationwide deployment.
• Co-Funding: Jointly funded by IndiaAI and NCG.

The selected AI solutions will be deployed within the NCG hospital network during the pilot phase, with further expansion based on clinical impact and operational readiness.

Focus Areas for AI Solutions

The challenge targets high-impact healthcare categories, including,

• AI-enabled cancer screening
• Diagnostics and imaging analysis
• Clinical decision support systems
• Patient engagement platforms
• Operational efficiency tools
• Research and data curation technologies

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to,

• Startups and health tech companies
• Academic and research institutions
• Public and private hospitals
• Joint applications from Clinical Leads (hospitals or clinicians) and Technical Leads (technology innovators) are strongly encouraged.

Responsible AI and Deployment Readiness

The program places a strong emphasis on,

• Responsible AI development
• Clinical validation of solutions
• Ethical deployment tailored to Indian healthcare needs

Application Deadline and Process

• Last date to apply: September 2, 2025
• Application mode: Online portal hosted by IndiaAI and NCG
• More information & applications: IndiaAI CATCH Program Portal

About IndiaAI and NCG

IndiaAI: An Independent Business Division under the Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), tasked with implementing the IndiaAI Mission to democratise AI, foster tech self-reliance, and ensure ethical AI use.

NCG: A network of cancer centres, research institutions, and healthcare organisations working to improve cancer care standards across India.