📍 Varanasi, India — March 2026
An artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chest X-ray screening solution developed by DeepTek, in collaboration with Tata Memorial Hospital, has been selected as a finalist under the IndiaAI–NCG CATCH (Cancer AI Technology Challenge) Grant 2026, a national initiative aimed at accelerating AI adoption in oncology.
The program is jointly led by the IndiaAI Mission and the National Cancer Grid (NCG), which together support the development and deployment of scalable AI solutions for cancer care.
AI System Targets Early Lung Cancer Detection
The DeepTek solution uses deep learning algorithms to analyze chest X-rays and detect early indicators of lung cancer, including lung nodules and masses. The system is capable of identifying up to 22 thoracic abnormalities, enabling broader diagnostic support beyond a single disease focus.
Early detection of lung cancer is widely recognized as a critical factor in improving survival rates, as most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages.
Explainable AI and Clinical Workflow Integration
The platform incorporates Explainable AI (XAI) features, including heatmaps and bounding boxes, which visually highlight suspicious regions in medical images. These features are designed to support radiologists in interpreting results with greater confidence and transparency.
The system integrates with existing hospital infrastructure, including Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) and Radiology Information Systems (RIS), allowing seamless adoption in clinical workflows.
Validation and Regulatory Status
According to available data, the AI model has been trained and validated on more than 500,000 chest X-rays, supporting its performance across diverse patient populations.
The solution has also received multiple regulatory clearances, including:
- Approval from India’s CDSCO
- CE MDR Class IIb certification in Europe
- Clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
These approvals indicate compliance with international standards for safety and performance.
Clinical Validation by Tata Memorial Hospital
The clinical validation of the solution has been conducted in collaboration with Tata Memorial Hospital, a leading oncology institution under the Tata Memorial Centre.
The hospital contributed to:
- Real-world testing of the AI system
- Radiologist-led image annotation and validation
- Integration into clinical workflows
- Evidence generation for research and regulatory purposes
🇮🇳 National Initiative to Scale AI in Oncology
The IndiaAI–NCG CATCH Grant 2026 focuses on advancing AI-based solutions in key areas such as:
- Early cancer detection and screening
- Clinical decision support
- AI in clinical trials and research
- Patient monitoring and digital health
The inclusion of DeepTek’s solution reflects growing interest in leveraging AI to address India’s cancer burden and improve access to diagnostic services.
Deployment in Resource-Limited Settings
One of the notable features of the DeepTek platform is its ability to operate offline, enabling deployment in rural and underserved regions. The system can be used in mobile screening units and public health programs, supporting large-scale cancer screening initiatives.
Outlook
Experts suggest that AI-driven imaging solutions have the potential to enhance early diagnosis, optimize clinical workflows, and support data-driven decision-making in oncology.
The recognition of DeepTek’s solution under the CATCH Grant highlights ongoing efforts to integrate AI into mainstream healthcare delivery in India.
About the CATCH Grant
The CATCH (Cancer AI Technology Challenge) Grant is part of the broader IndiaAI initiative and is designed to promote collaboration between technology developers, healthcare institutions, and research organizations. The program emphasizes clinically validated, scalable solutions with real-world applicability.
Watch: AI-Powered Chest X-ray Screening in Action
To better understand how AI is transforming chest X-ray analysis and early lung cancer detection, watch the detailed demonstration below: