IIIT Bhopal Secures Share of INR 100 Cr Research Grant for AI-Driven Healthcare Innovation

The projects aim to strengthen innovation-led approaches in predictive diagnostics, digital health infrastructure, and next-generation medical devices.

The Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Bhopal has been awarded four high-impact research projects under the Government of India’s flagship Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) program. The program offers a cumulative research grant of INR 100 crores. 

The program is being implemented by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to foster deep-tech innovation in priority sectors such as healthcare.

IIIT Bhopal’s research proposals—centered on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, Medical Technology, and Advanced Materials—were selected as part of a consortium with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore serving as the hub institution. 

The projects aim to strengthen innovation-led approaches in predictive diagnostics, digital health infrastructure, and next-generation medical devices.

Only seven institutions were selected nationally under the PAIR program, including IIIT Bhopal. The selection followed a rigorous multi-phase evaluation process conducted at the Indian Academy of Sciences in Bengaluru in March 2025. 

Out of 30 finalists, these seven were chosen to participate in a collaborative “hub and spoke” model for research and development.

The grant reflects the central government’s intent to accelerate research in critical sectors by funding high-potential academic institutions and fostering multi-institutional partnerships.

Supporting National Digital Health Priorities

The awarded projects align with national digital health initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and aim to address pressing challenges in healthcare delivery through AI and data-driven solutions.

These include improved diagnostics, monitoring of chronic conditions, and expanded healthcare access, particularly in rural areas.

Regarding the development, IIIT Bhopal Director Prof. Ashutosh Kumar Singh said, “This recognition marks a significant step in our journey toward building a strong research-oriented ecosystem. Our collaborative efforts with IIT Indore and focus on AI-enabled healthcare reflect our commitment to national innovation goals.”

The initiative is expected to open new opportunities for academia-industry collaboration, foster technology transfer, and speed up the commercialization of research outputs for the healthcare sector, further supporting India’s growing digital health ecosystem.

Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News.