Daily News Analysis

CATCH Grant Program

stylish_lining

The Cancer AI & Technology Challenge (CATCH) Grant Program has been launched by IndiaAI Independent Business Division (IBD) in collaboration with the National Cancer Grid (NCG) to drive the development and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions in cancer care across India.

Objective of the CATCH Grant Program

The primary goal of the CATCH Grant Program is to support innovative AI-based solutions that can enhance various aspects of cancer care, including:

  • Screening and diagnostics: Leveraging AI to identify and diagnose cancer more efficiently.

  • Clinical decision support: AI tools to assist healthcare professionals in making informed treatment decisions.

  • Patient engagement: Developing AI solutions to improve communication and engagement between healthcare providers and patients.

  • Operational efficiency: Improving the overall functioning of healthcare systems through AI solutions.

  • Research and data curation: Enhancing research and data handling in cancer treatment and care.

The program will fund projects aimed at strengthening cancer screening, diagnostics, and treatment support, making a significant impact on cancer care delivery in India.

Grant Details

  • Funding: Successful applicants will receive up to ₹50 lakh per project to develop their AI solutions.

  • Co-funding: The grant will be co-funded by IndiaAI and National Cancer Grid (NCG).

  • Scale-Up Opportunities: Projects that demonstrate clinical impact and operational readiness may be eligible for an additional scale-up grant of up to ₹1 crore for broader deployment across the NCG network or through national healthcare pathways.

  • Pilot Deployment: The program encourages piloted deployment of AI solutions within the NCG hospital network, providing an opportunity for solutions to be tested in real-world healthcare environments.

Focus Areas of the Challenge

The CATCH Grant Program will focus on several high-impact areas, including:

  • AI-enabled cancer screening.

  • Diagnostic tools using AI.

  • Clinical decision support systems.

  • Patient engagement platforms.

  • Enhancing healthcare operational efficiency.

  • AI applications for research.

  • Data curation and management.


 

Key Facts about IndiaAI

  • IndiaAI is an Independent Business Division under the Digital India Corporation (DIC), part of the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).

  • Mission: IndiaAI's mission is to democratize AI's benefits across various sectors, promote India's global leadership in AI, encourage technological self-reliance, and ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI.

  • IndiaAI Mission: The mission focuses on fostering the development of AI technologies that benefit all sections of society, especially in critical sectors like healthcare.

Conclusion

The CATCH Grant Program represents a unique opportunity to foster AI innovation in the healthcare sector, particularly in cancer care. By supporting startups, technology companies, and healthcare institutions, the program aims to revolutionize how cancer is detected, treated, and managed in India, ultimately improving outcomes for patients nationwide.


 

Cultural Appropriation

Cultural appropriation refers to the adoption of elements from one culture by members of another, often in ways that exploit, disrespect, or commodify the original culture. This becomes particular
Share It

GIAHS Programme and India’s Agricultural Heritage

India, home to diverse agricultural systems, has recently gained recognition for hosting three Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). This milestone was highlighted by the Minis
Share It

Made in India Label Scheme

The Made in India Label Scheme has recently been supported by a proposed allocation of INR 995 crores over the next three years, a move that highlights the Indian government’s commitment to
Share It

RBI’s 7 Sutras for AI Adoption

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently introduced the Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of Artificial Intelligence (FREE-AI), outlining 7 guiding sutras for the ethical use of
Share It

Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)

India’s fight against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) has seen notable progress, marked by a dramatic reduction in insurgent incidents and a significant contraction of the Red Corridor. The insurg
Share It

Didayi Tribe

The Didayi Tribe in Odisha has made headlines with Champa Raspeda, a student from the tribe, becoming the first member to clear the NEET 2025 exam. About the Didayi Tribe Location: Th
Share It

INS Aridhaman

India is set to significantly strengthen its strategic defence capabilities with the upcoming induction of INS Aridhaman, the third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) in its fleet.
Share It

Fast Track Special Courts Scheme

The Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) Scheme, which was introduced by the Ministry of Law & Justice under the Nirbhaya Fund, is an initiative aimed at expediting the trial of rape and child se
Share It

Elephant Conservation in India

World Elephant Day: A Global Conservation Effort On 12th August 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) observed World Elephant Day in Coimbatore, with a focu
Share It

Flash Flood in Dharali Village

The flash flood in Dharali village, Uttarkashi, highlights the growing threat of disasters caused by extreme weather events in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Factors Driving Frequent Disast
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS