AIIMS and IIITH conduct MedCare AI Hackathon, fusing clinical challenges with tech innovation

AIIMS Bibinagar, in collaboration with the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at IIIT Hyderabad, hosted the MedCare AI Impact Hackathon, a unique event aimed at bridging the gap between clinical practice and deep-tech research.

Designed to empower doctors, medical students, and researchers, the hackathon served as a platform for AI-driven healthcare innovation rooted in real-world clinical challenges. Over 65 idea-stage applications were received, with 17 interdisciplinary teams shortlisted to present their concepts. The top five finalists have now secured incubation support and access to seed funding of ₹5 lakh to build their first prototypes.

Spanning a day of mentoring, expert talks, and hands-on workshops, the hackathon divided participants into two tracks,  one for clinicians and another for med-tech innovators. The goal was to collaboratively develop AI-powered tools for diagnostics, surgical planning, and patient care optimisation.

Among the winning ideas were innovations such as AI-based post-RCT canal defect detection, portable dental caries scanners, and predictive analytics for surgical readiness. Other standout entries included NeoScreen AI, a deep learning tool for early detection of EHBA in infants, and AI Dent Triage, a multimodal triage platform combining various dental imaging techniques.

Dr. Ahanthem Santa Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Bibinagar, praised the collaboration’s potential to “bridge the knowledge gap between frontline healthcare and advanced technology.” Prof. Bapi Raju, Head of Cognitive Sciences at IIIT Hyderabad, noted that “deep-tech research can transform practical healthcare when co-developed with doctors.”

Satish Kathirisetti, Chief Mentor at CIE, emphasised that the hackathon is part of CIE’s broader vision to drive med-tech innovation. The winning teams will receive continued support through CIE-AIIMS joint incubation tracks, R&D mentorship, and go-to-market guidance.

The event underscored the growing synergy between India’s healthcare institutions and its research universities, aiming to fast-track clinical AI solutions and build scalable healthcare models for underserved communities.