In a landmark collaboration aimed at revolutionizing healthcare through technology, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Center of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (AI-CoE). The MoU was signed by Prof. M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS Delhi, and Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, at a formal ceremony held on the IIT Delhi campus.
The AI-CoE is envisioned as a national hub for research and innovation focused on developing AI-driven healthcare solutions that are scalable, accessible, and affordable. These solutions aim to strengthen key public health initiatives and enhance medical services across the country.
This initiative is backed by a ₹330 crore grant under the Ministry of Education’s “Make AI in India, Make AI Work for India” program. The grant, awarded in 2024, recognizes the high potential and collaborative synergy of these two premier institutions. The AI-CoE will serve as the primary implementing body of this government-supported program.
Prof. M. Srinivas expressed optimism about the collaboration, calling it a transformative step toward integrating AI with healthcare. “This initiative has the potential to reshape the future of healthcare in India through the power of Artificial Intelligence,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, Prof. Rangan Banerjee highlighted the unique strengths of the two institutions coming together. “This partnership between AIIMS and IIT Delhi can redefine AI applications in healthcare and make a lasting impact on society,” he noted.
Dr. Krithika Rangarajan, Chief Project Manager from AIIMS Delhi, emphasized the patient-first approach of the project. “We aim to keep patients at the heart of all technological innovations,” she said.
Leading the center from IIT Delhi, Prof. Chetan Arora described the broader mission of the AI-CoE. “This center aims to develop indigenous AI systems to upscale health services, empower healthcare workers, and expand access to quality care, especially in underserved areas,” he said.
The AI-CoE represents a new model of interdisciplinary collaboration that could set benchmarks for similar efforts globally.