Andhra Pradesh is expanding its ambition to be a leader in AI-driven health technology. The SRM University-AP has opened its Biomedical Research and Artificial Intelligence Network (BRAIN) Lab, a state-of-the-art biomedical engineering and AI-driven diagnostics laboratory.
Meanwhile, the state government has introduced the Bharat Biodesign Research and Innovation (BRAIN) programme at the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub in Amaravati to develop affordable medical technology startups and create a bio-design workforce. Combined, these actions aim to boost world-leading health-tech innovation based on local demands.
SRM-AP BRAIN Lab: A Research Powerhouse
The newly opened BRAIN Lab of SRM University-AP is intended to support interdisciplinary research in the field of public health informatics, disease modelling, and biomedical data analytics. Prof. Manoj Murhekar, the Director of the National Institute of Epidemiology at the ICMR, and the top management of the university initiated the lab.
The facility is divided into three special units: Biomechanics, Biosignals, and Computational. Each of these has advanced equipment, including a gait-analysis workstation, a 16-channel EEG, an ECG/EMG/PCG system, thermal cameras, and an electrospinning unit to develop biomaterials. Such capabilities provide the lab with the strength to investigate complicated health problems, particularly in the neurological and cardiovascular fields.
The BRAIN Lab is already involved in the research of such critical conditions as Parkinson's disease and oral cancer, cooperating with RMIT University, IGCAR-Kalpakkam and AIIMS Mangalagiri. The lab believes that with the help of AI-based data analysis and bioengineering, it will be able to create predictive diagnostics and customised treatment plans.
Andhra Pradesh BRAIN Programme’s Innovation
At the same time, the Andhra Pradesh government has presented a visionary program called the BRAIN programme, which was introduced with the help of the APAC Biodesign Alliance and Stanford Biodesign. The programme was launched by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub in Amaravati.
The objective of the programme is to develop AI-driven, affordable, and easily upgradable medical technologies, as well as provide innovators with biodesign mentorship and skills. It seeks to educate young entrepreneurs on global biodesign approaches, assist MedTech start-ups, and build the health-tech ecosystem in the state.
Naidu highlighted this as a move towards enhancing access, quality, and affordability of healthcare and establishing Andhra Pradesh as a digital health hub.
