In 2016, Dr. Geetha Manjunath, a researcher with over two decades of experience in data analytics and artificial intelligence, left her corporate job to solve a pressing public health challenge: the early detection of breast cancer in women across India. This determination led to the founding of Niramai Health Analytix and the creation of Thermalytix—a non-invasive, radiation-free, and privacy-conscious solution that leverages artificial intelligence and thermal imaging to detect breast abnormalities.

The inspiration behind the idea was deeply personal. A close family member of Dr. Manjunath was diagnosed with breast cancer, which catalyzed her pursuit of a method that would be accessible, affordable, and effective for large-scale screening, especially in low-resource settings. Her approach drew on her deep technical expertise in machine learning and signal processing and aimed to replace expensive and often culturally invasive conventional diagnostic techniques.

Bridging a critical healthcare gap with scalable AI solutions

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India. Yet, the majority of cases are detected at a late stage, mainly due to the lack of regular screening, poor awareness, and infrastructural limitations, particularly in rural areas. Standard mammography is expensive, involves radiation, and is less effective for women under 45 due to higher breast density.

Thermalytix addresses these barriers on multiple fronts. It uses a high-resolution thermal sensing device to capture heat patterns from the chest area, which are then analyzed using proprietary AI algorithms to detect abnormalities. The test is completely contactless and does not require exposure to radiation, making it especially suitable for routine screenings in younger women. Importantly, the test can be administered by a trained technician, reducing the need for specialized radiologists on-site.

This innovation aligns strongly with India’s national objectives under the Ayushman Bharat programme and the broader Viksit Bharat vision for equitable healthcare access. By facilitating affordable early detection, it supports efforts to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases and empowers community health workers with technology that is easy to deploy.

Data-backed impact, global recognition

Niramai began scaling operations in 2023, and has partnered with more than 150 hospitals and diagnostic centers across India and conducted screenings for over 100,000 women. The solution, which has now received clearance in the US and UK as well, has demonstrated over 90% accuracy in detecting breast cancer, even at early stages, thus significantly improving chances of successful treatment and survival. It also reduces the incidence of false positives and unnecessary biopsies compared to traditional screening tools.

Beyond clinical settings, Niramai has collaborated with NGOs and public health departments to take its services to remote areas. Mobile screening camps equipped with the Thermalytix device have enabled early detection in underserved populations, bridging a vital gap in preventive healthcare. For their work, they have received several international recognitions, including the Global Women Health Award by the World Bank and IFC in 2022. 

Scaling empathy through technology

The simplicity, portability, and cost-efficiency of Thermalytix make it highly replicable. The model is already being considered for deployment in other countries across Asia and Africa with similar healthcare challenges. The underlying technology of thermal analytics combined with AI also holds potential for early detection of other conditions, including diabetic foot ulcers and respiratory infections.

Furthermore, the approach opens avenues for the integration of such tools in workplace health programmes, school health checkups, and even home-based care models through telehealth platforms. It aligns seamlessly with India’s Digital Health Mission and the push for inclusive AI-led healthcare solutions.

A paradigm shift in preventive diagnostics

Niramai’s Thermalytix is more than a medical innovation—it is a transformative leap in making preventive diagnostics accessible, non-intrusive, and scalable. By reimagining how breast cancer can be detected early and affordably, it not only addresses a critical gap in women’s healthcare but also showcases how deep-tech solutions can advance the nation’s health and development goals. As India strides toward becoming a digitally empowered and healthy nation, this AI-driven device exemplifies the kind of frontier technology that can catalyze systemic change across healthcare ecosystems.