IIT Delhi and AIIMS Delhi have launched a Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare to transform India’s healthcare system. The Ministry of Education granted ₹330 crore to support the initiative, which focuses on solving major public health challenges.
The centre will apply advanced AI to diseases like cancer, tuberculosis, maternal health issues, and preventable blindness across the country. The AI healthcare innovation center aims to become a national hub for AI research, clinical innovation, and policy support in healthcare. This collaboration highlights India’s commitment to accessible, affordable, and technology-driven healthcare for all citizens.
A National Effort to Integrate AI into Healthcare
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi have formalised a strategic partnership to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) focused on AI in healthcare. The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at a joint ceremony, aims to position the CoE as a national hub for innovation, research, and development in AI-powered medical technologies.
This initiative is backed by a ₹330 crore grant awarded by the Ministry of Education under the “Make AI in India, Make AI Work for India” mission, which supports advanced AI research addressing national priorities.
The CoE will lead the implementation and management of the multi-year program, focusing on scalable, homegrown AI solutions for India. It will prioritize innovations tailored to India’s healthcare needs, ensuring practical and sustainable impact in critical medical areas. Initial goals include advancing cancer care, maternal and child health, eyesight restoration, and tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment.
The AI-CoE will operate as a Section 8 non-profit, jointly managed by IIT Delhi and AIIMS Delhi. A proposed board, including representatives from the Ministries of Education, Health, and Electronics and IT, will provide additional oversight.
AIIMS Delhi Director Prof. M. Srinivas called the initiative a game-changing step toward transforming healthcare delivery nationwide. He said the collaboration marks the beginning of high-impact research aimed at reshaping clinical practices through data-driven innovation.
Operational Structure and Strategic Goals
The Centre of Excellence will operate as a Section 8 non-profit under the Companies Act to ensure a public interest focus. A board of directors, likely including officials from key ministries, will govern the center’s activities and policy alignment. Leaders will appoint a Chief Executive Officer later to manage operations and drive the center’s long-term strategic direction.
Prof. Chetan Arora of IIT Delhi, leading the CoE, highlighted the center’s flexible and evolving roadmap for innovation. He said the CoE will adapt continuously to new technologies and changing healthcare demands across India. Dr. Krithika Rangarajan of AIIMS Delhi stressed the need to keep patient welfare at the center of all initiatives.
Sustainable Model and Broader Engagement
The four-year grant will serve as a foundation while the CoE actively seeks long-term funding from diverse external sources. It plans to engage philanthropies, private companies, and alumni networks to sustain operations and expand its research impact. The CoE will also collaborate with Indian and international partners to create advanced solutions beyond its initial health priorities.
IIT Delhi and AIIMS Delhi bring strong research legacies, positioning the CoE to redefine AI’s role in healthcare innovation. The initiative marks a major advancement for India’s AI and healthcare sectors, while offering a global model for collaboration.
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