Healthcare has made impressive progress over the past few decades. Yet a few challenges continue to persist across the world, one of which is that many serious health conditions are still diagnosed too late.
Early detection is one of the most important factors in improving outcomes for diseases such as breast cancer. According to the World Health Organization, approximately one in every 12 women is at risk of developing a breast abnormality during her lifetime. Yet for many women, access to regular screening remains a challenge. Reasons being High costs, limited healthcare infrastructure, geographical barriers, and concerns around conventional screening methods result in delayed diagnosis. At Niramai, this is the challenge we set out to address.
Founded in 2016 in Bengaluru by Dr. Geetha Manjunath and Nidhi Mathur, Niramai was established with a vision of making breast cancer screening more accessible through the use of artificial intelligence. Our founders identified that while the awareness around breast health was increasing, access to affordable and convenient screening solutions was still a major issue for a large section of population. This was when we saw an opportunity to explore how artificial intelligence could support earlier detection and improve access to preventive care.
As we thoroughly examined the healthcare landscape, one reality became progressively apparent. Traditional screening methods are effective but often require specialized equipment, dedicated facilities, and trained professionals. These requirements often create a barrier for people living in particular regions where healthcare resources are limited. We believed there was room for a solution that could complement existing screening approaches while making the process more accessible and scalable.
This led to the development of Thermalytix, our Al-powered breast health screening technology. By combining thermal imaging with advanced machine learning algorithms, Thermalytix analyzes temperature patterns and identifies abnormalities that may require further medical evaluation. It is radiation free, affordable, portable, non-invasive, no employ touch or see approach and works for women of all age groups and breast densities.
What makes our approach particularly meaningful is not simply the technology behind it, but its potential to expand access to screening. In a country as vast and as diverse as India, healthcare accessibility can vary from region to region. Solutions that are portable, efficient, and easier to deploy can play an important role in reaching communities that may not always have access to advanced diagnostic infrastructure.
Artificial intelligence is often associated with automation and productivity, but its real impact depends on how it is used. As the adoption of Al in healthcare continues to grow, the focus is shifting from reacting and treating illness after symptoms appear to detecting the risks earlier and giving necessary preventive care. We believe this shift has the potential to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
Over the years, our technology has expanded far beyond the laboratory. More than 400,000 women across over 250 locations in India have been screened using Niramai’s solutions, leading to the detection of over 2,000 cancer cases through hospitals and outreach programs. Today, Thermalytix is supported by numerous clinical studies and has earned recognition across both India and international healthcare ecosystems.
While growth and recognition are important milestones, our work continues to be driven by a much larger objective, that is, helping make early detection more accessible for women who may otherwise face delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Looking ahead, we see significant opportunities for artificial intelligence to strengthen healthcare delivery across multiple areas. Advances in machine learning, data analytics, and diagnostic technologies are creating new possibilities for improving preventive care and supporting healthcare professionals. Niramai has also raised approximately $7 million in funding and expanded its collaborations with hospitals, diagnostic centres, and healthcare organizations, helping bring innovative screening solutions to a wider population.
At Niramai, we are proud to contribute to the effort of making early breast cancer screening more accessible, practical, and scalable. Every step toward earlier detection is a step toward better healthcare outcomes, and that remains at the heart of everything we do.
