IndiaAI & NCG Launch ₹50 Lakh Cancer AI Challenge to Boost Oncology Innovation

The IndiaAI Independent Business Division (IBD), in partnership with the National Cancer Grid (NCG), has unveiled the Cancer AI & Technology Challenge (CATCH) Grant Program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming cancer care in India through Artificial Intelligence (AI). The program seeks to harness AI innovations to improve screening, diagnostics, treatment support, and healthcare operations, addressing some of the most pressing challenges in oncology.

Funding Support for AI-Driven Cancer Solutions

The CATCH Grant Program will offer up to ₹50 lakh per project to selected collaborations between technology innovators and clinical institutions. Funding will be co-shared by IndiaAI and NCG, with the primary aim of piloting AI solutions within the extensive NCG hospital network—a consortium that connects cancer care centres, research institutions, and public health facilities across the country.

Projects that successfully demonstrate clinical impact, operational feasibility, and readiness for scale may also qualify for an additional ₹1 crore scale-up grant from IndiaAI, enabling wider deployment either across the NCG network or through national health programmes.

Focus Areas and Selection Criteria

The Challenge will concentrate on high-impact AI applications in cancer care, including:

• AI-powered screening and early detection tools

• Diagnostic support systems for accurate and timely reporting

• Clinical decision support for oncologists and multidisciplinary teams

• Patient engagement platforms for personalised care pathways

• AI-enhanced operational efficiency in hospitals and clinics

• Research acceleration through data curation and analytics

Up to 10 proposals will be selected in this round, evaluated on:

• Technical maturity of the AI solution

• Feasibility of deployment in real-world clinical settings

• Alignment with India’s healthcare delivery needs and cancer control priorities

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to:

• Startups and health-tech enterprises

• Academic and research institutions

• Public and private hospitals

• Technology developers working in partnership with clinical leaders

The program encourages joint applications from a Clinical Lead (hospital or clinician) and a Technical Lead (technology developer) to ensure both medical relevance and technical robustness.

A strong emphasis will be placed on responsible AI principles, clinical validation in the Indian healthcare context, and readiness for deployment at scale.

Application Process and Timeline

Interested applicants can apply through the online portal jointly hosted by IndiaAI and NCG.

• Application deadline: September 2, 2025

• Full details and application link: IndiaAI-NCG Cancer AI Technology Challenge (CATCH)

IndiaAI’s Role in Advancing AI for Public Good

IndiaAI operates under the Digital India Corporation (DIC) of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). As the implementation agency of the IndiaAI Mission, it works to:

• Democratise AI access for all sections of society

• Strengthen India’s position as a global AI leader

• Promote technological self-reliance

• Ensure ethical, transparent, and responsible AI deployment

By launching CATCH in collaboration with NCG, IndiaAI is extending its mission into the field of oncology, aiming to bridge cutting-edge AI innovation with clinical expertise to save lives and improve patient outcomes.

A Step Towards AI-Enabled Cancer Care

The CATCH Grant Program is expected to accelerate innovation in oncology, enabling AI tools to move from research prototypes to real-world deployment. By fostering collaboration between technology developers and healthcare providers, the initiative aims to deliver scalable, impactful solutions that can be integrated into India’s national cancer control strategies.