AI-Powered Microscopy Breakthrough at National Institute of Technology Rourkela Set to Revolutionize Disease Diagnosistics in India

Researchers at National Institute of Technology Rourkela have developed a groundbreaking AI-enabled autofocusing technology that can significantly improve microscopic imaging for biomedical diagnostic applications. The innovative system is capable of delivering rapid, precise, and repeatable imaging results with minimal human intervention, opening new possibilities for affordable and advanced healthcare diagnostics in India.

The technology was developed by the Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering at NIT Rourkela in collaboration with Glowvista Instruments Private Limited, a startup incubated at the institute’s FTBI incubation centre.

The research team has secured an Indian patent titled “A Method for Autofocusing in Optofluidic Microsystems and Processes” (Patent No. 589270; Application No. 202431080016), marking a major achievement in AI-driven medical imaging technology.

• Prof. Earu Banoth
• Dr. Shaik Ahmadsaidulu
• Amol Lalchand Salve
• Padmanaban Selvakumar

Prof. Banoth is also the Founder and Non-Executive Director of Glowvista Instruments Private Limited.

Speaking about the innovation, Prof. Banoth stated that the goal is to develop a simple handheld microscopy system that performs as effectively as imported automated microscopy technologies while remaining affordable and suitable for multiple healthcare applications.

Potential Applications of the Technology

The AI-powered microscopy platform can be applied across several healthcare and research domains, including:

• Biomedical diagnostics and disease detection
• Digital pathology and tissue imaging
• AI-assisted automated microscopy
• Point-of-care healthcare devices
• Microfluidic analysis and biofluid monitoring
• Smart laboratory automation
• Portable diagnostic systems
• Biomedical and life sciences research

The research team is now focused on large-scale field testing, generating clinical validation data, and obtaining regulatory approvals for commercial deployment.

Supporting India’s Make in India Healthcare Mission

The project received research funding support from:

• Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
• Department of Science and Technology (DST)
• Department of Biotechnology (DBT)

This innovation strongly aligns with the Government of India’s Make in India initiative by promoting indigenous healthcare technologies designed for accessible, affordable, and next-generation medical diagnostics