For years, cancer detection has been a race against time where early diagnosis can make the difference between life and loss. Yet, traditional screening methods remain slow and costly pushing timely diagnosis out of reach for millions who suffer daily. Enter two visionary minds from Bangalore: Dr. Narayana Subramaniam, a head and neck oncologist and Dr. Hardik Pandya, an engineer-scientist at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Their breakthrough? An AI-powered tool that detects cancer in just two minutes. Yes, you read that right! What once took months and endless sleepless nights of anxiety, can now be done in the time it takes to brew a cup of tea. The U.S. National Institute of Health has already backed their work with a $2.4 million grant by recognizing its potential. This is just the beginning, their main goal is not just to revolutionize medical diagnostics but to make cancer screening faster, affordable, and accessible to all, especially those in remote regions where healthcare resources are still a dream. 
The Two-Minute Miracle: How AI is Changing the Cancer Narrative?

At the heart of this innovation lies a 3D-printed, low-cost device that eliminates the need for expensive slide scanners. This AI-driven system zeroes in on abnormal cells, streamlining the diagnosis process while ensuring that only relevant areas are analyzed. The results are then digitized and transmitted to pathologists for remote evaluation, drastically cutting down both time and cost. Unlike traditional machines that require hefty investments ranging from ₹32 lakh to ₹1 crore, this portable alternative offers a revolutionary shift, one that could make advanced cancer screening as easy as sending a photo over a 3G or 4G network. Their work is fueled by a deep understanding of the gaps in current cancer detection methods. Screening camps, though held annually, fail to track patients for follow-ups, leaving many undiagnosed. “The problem isn’t just in testing, it’s in making sure people actually receive their results in time to act,” says Dr. Subramaniam. With this AI-powered tool, the duo hopes to bridge that gap, ensuring that early detection isn’t a privilege but a fundamental right, that could save millions of lives. 

A Future Without Fear

Looking ahead, the team has ambitious plans to refine the device’s accuracy from 85% to 90% through trials with 600 patients, eventually matching the reliability of biopsies. Their five-year roadmap includes obtaining regulatory approvals and forging partnerships with government and private agencies to bring this life-saving technology to every corner of the country. Their mission is simple yet profound, to create a world where no one loses the fight against cancer due to delayed diagnosis. “The dream is to make this tool available for everyone, everywhere,” says Dr. Subramaniam. And with the power of AI, that dream is inching closer to reality. This isn’t just a medical advancement, it’s a ray of hope in the fight against cancer, a future where timely detection can rewrite countless destinies. A future where no one has to die everyday in a hope to see their loved one alive.