AI-led Innovations for Global Health: Govt of Netherlands, Govt of Karnataka and C-CAMP explore synergies

New Delhi: The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) hosted and mediated a top-level bilateral discussion between the Govt. of Karnataka led by Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Barbara Goezinne, Netherlands Vice Minister of Health, Curative Care.

The meeting laid the foundations for a possible Indo-Dutch collaboration focusing exclusively on digital health and AI-powered healthtech from the State.  

One of the main points of discussion at the event was the successful integration of several C-CAMP digital health innovations with the GoK public health system that has been built in a structured, evidence-based manner in the last 5 years to increase the adoption of innovative health technologies in the public health system. This has led to a significant uptick in healthcare delivery in areas such as ophthalmology, maternal and child care, remote monitoring and immunisation processes. 

The Dutch delegation led by Minister Ms Goezinne had expressed interest in creating pathways for the deployment of a few selected advanced stage India/Karnataka-based AI healthtech in the Netherlands, especially in labour-saving technologies in healthcare; innovations in pharmaceuticals with AI in drug development and discovery; and remote monitoring and telehealth related solutions as a screening method for medical triaging. 

Deliberations also centred upon aligning the Netherlands public health system with the Govt. of Karnataka through a dedicated effort such as an Innovation Bridge anchored by C-CAMP as part of a bilateral partnership between GoK and the Netherlands counterpart. 

Deeptech at C-CAMP:

The Digital Health platform at C-CAMP is enabling the development and adoption of digital health technology solutions through innovation and entrepreneurship to make quality health care affordable and accessible at scale, not only in India but beyond in other low- and middle- income countries. 

C-CAMP’s existing Digital Health portfolio includes 80+ deeptech start-ups covering a broad gamut of specialised areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), genomic data analysis, healthcare analytics/big data, computer assisted diagnosis, Internet of Things (IoT), Virtual & Augmented Reality, wearables, and other similar technologies that can revolutionise healthcare from screening and triaging, to therapeutics, from surgeries to medical surveillance and diagnostics, and even to mental health.  

Dinesh Gundu Rao said, “Innovation should be translated into real-world applications. This is where C-CAMP has been playing a crucial role. Several innovations from C-CAMP have already been implemented, such as solutions for eye care and retinopathy treatment. Another example is technology to measure fetal heart rate in the womb. The Govt. of Karnataka has been working closely with C-CAMP to develop and scale impactful innovations. It is great to have visitors from the Netherlands here today—we can learn from your experiences and explore potential collaborations in the future.” 

Ms. Goezinne said, “It is clear that C-CAMP is a very impactful hub in innovation in medtech and pharmaceuticals. The philosophy to make innovative technologies, like stem cell therapy, more accessible and affordable is really inspiring. Together with the Hon’ble Minister of Health, and IT&BT officials, I engaged to explore possible partnerships. The innovation walk provided an opportunity to interact with inspiring founders of these innovations. We are committed to work together in the field of medical technology, particularly in the development of innovative, labour-saving medical solutions to support all health care professionals.”

Commenting on this high-level meeting, CEO-Director of C-CAMP Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed, noted, “Our approach at C-CAMP has always been to build solutions for India and beyond. We have a strong cohort of AI-based healthtech startups that have impact potential not only for resource-poor settings but also the Global North where resources are aplenty but healthcare challenges and economic burden of health persist.”

Post the discussions, the Hon’ble Minister Ms. Goezinne was taken on an innovation walkthrough of selected C-CAMP digital health innovations where she interacted directly with innovators.