IIT-H, AIIMS Bibinagar To Jointly Utilise AI, Medical Expertise

IIT Hyderabad and AIIMS Bibinagar are exploring joint research and technology-development initiatives that bring engineering, artificial intelligence (AI) and medical expertise together to address healthcare challenges in India.

Heads of departments and faculty from both institutions held discussions on combining their capabilities in medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence, biomedical sciences and digital healthcare. The focus was on identifying areas where technology being developed at IIT Hyderabad could be adapted for clinical use.

IIT Hyderabad’s areas of expertise include AI, drug discovery, molecular biology, advanced materials, biomedical engineering, medical devices, imaging, sensors, nanotechnology and digital technologies. AIIMS Bibinagar brings expertise in infectious diseases, oncology, orthodontics, orthopaedics and healthcare delivery, officials from the institute told Deccan Chronicle.

The institutions discussed possible collaboration in AI-enabled healthcare, digital health and telemedicine, medical devices and advanced implants, disease research, and technologies to improve access to healthcare. They also discussed working with Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University, Mulugu, on initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access for rural and tribal communities.

The discussions are being pursued under IIT Hyderabad director Prof. B.S. Murty and AIIMS Bibinagar executive director Prof. Amita Aggarwal. IIT Hyderabad dean of sponsored research and consultancy Prof. G Narahari Sastry facilitated the meeting, while AIIMS Bibinagar dean of research Prof. Rahul Narang led the AIIMS delegation.

Prof. Sastry said the collaboration needs to expand beyond individual partnerships to larger programmes involving both institutions.

AIIMS Bibinagar professor and head of orthopaedics Dr Maheshwar Lakkireddy said, “Our goal is to go from bench side to bedside, translating scientific discoveries made in the laboratory into practical medical care.”

Both institutions will now identify specific projects for joint research, technology development and translate them into healthcare applications.