Breaking Barriers in Healthcare: Geetha Manjunath’s AI-Powered Breast Cancer Detection Revolution

Breaking Barriers in Healthcare: Geetha Manjunath’s AI-Powered Breast Cancer Detection Revolution

In today’s rapidly advancing world of technology, few stories are as inspiring as that of Geetha Manjunath, the Founder & CEO of NIRAMAI Health Analytix. On March 21, 2025, at the prestigious SheSparks event in Bengaluru, as part of the "Ladies Who Launch: Women Founders Shaping the Future" series, Manjunath shared her journey and vision for transforming healthcare. Her talk centered around the groundbreaking AI-powered breast cancer screening technology, Thermalytix, that promises to revolutionize early detection for millions of women, particularly in India.

Through her heartfelt speech, Manjunath captivated the audience, leaving a lasting impression on all those who attended. With a blend of personal storytelling and technical insights, she eloquently expressed the mission that drives her work and the profound need for innovation in healthcare.

From Personal Loss to Passionate Purpose

At the heart of Manjunath’s mission is a deeply personal experience. As she recounted her journey, it became clear that the drive to create a solution for breast cancer detection came from a place of personal loss. “Within six months, I lost both my cousins, Bharti and Lakshmi, to late-stage breast cancer,” she shared. This devastating tragedy, caused by a lack of early detection, became the catalyst for her work. The pain and suffering that came with the loss of loved ones who succumbed to a preventable disease sparked her determination to change the status quo.

“Breast cancer is completely curable if detected early,” she said. “Yet, in India, nearly 50% of women diagnosed with breast cancer succumb to it within two to five years. This is what I set out to solve.” The fact that breast cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, yet continues to claim so many lives, motivated Manjunath to leverage her background in technology and AI to make a difference.

The Need for Early Detection

Manjunath highlighted the critical issue of late-stage breast cancer detection, which is one of the key reasons behind the high mortality rate. Many women delay seeking medical attention because they do not see or feel any obvious signs of the disease, such as a lump. However, by the time a lump becomes palpable, the cancer is often already at a more advanced stage, which significantly reduces the chances of successful treatment.

“Mammography, which is the standard for breast cancer detection, is only recommended for women above 45 years old,” Manjunath explained. “It is also costly, not easily accessible, and is ineffective for women with dense breast tissue.” For many women, especially those in rural or underserved areas, these limitations mean they never receive a timely diagnosis.

The need for a non-invasive, accessible, and affordable screening solution became evident. And that’s where Thermalytix, the AI-powered breast cancer screening technology developed by NIRAMAI, steps in.

Introducing Thermalytix: A Groundbreaking Solution

NIRAMAI’s Thermalytix is a revolutionary AI-based device designed to provide an effective and low-cost alternative to traditional breast cancer screening methods. What sets it apart is its non-invasive, radiation-free, and highly accurate approach. The technology relies on thermal imaging to detect early signs of breast cancer. Unlike conventional mammography, which requires expensive machinery and skilled technicians, Thermalytix is cost-effective, requires minimal infrastructure, and can be deployed in both urban and rural areas.

The process is simple and painless: a woman sits in front of the device, which looks similar to a camera, and the machine takes thermal images of her breasts. The AI then analyzes these images and generates a detailed breast health report. “It’s a ‘no see, no touch, no pain, no radiation’ process,” explained Manjunath. The simplicity and ease of the process make it an ideal screening tool for women who may have hesitated to undergo traditional methods due to fear, discomfort, or logistical barriers.

Manjunath proudly shared that this AI-powered solution has already impacted over 2.5 lakh women across 22 countries. The thermal imaging method offers a 30% higher accuracy rate than traditional screening methods and costs just 20% of existing tests. This affordability and accessibility ensure that more women, especially those in underserved areas, have access to early breast cancer detection.

Empowering Women Through Health Technology

In her speech, Manjunath underscored the importance of empowering women to take charge of their health. She stressed that early detection is the key to saving lives and encouraged all women to prioritize regular breast health checkups. “If you have not done a breast health check, please do it,” she urged the audience. Whether using Thermalytix or another method, the goal is to catch the disease in its earliest stages, when it is most treatable.

The technology developed by NIRAMAI is particularly significant because it respects women’s privacy and ensures their comfort during the screening process. This non-invasive, stress-free method removes many of the barriers that women face when it comes to seeking medical care for breast cancer. For many women, the idea of undergoing a mammogram or other invasive procedures can be intimidating, but Thermalytix removes that fear and makes the process more approachable.

A Call to Action: Innovate and Impact Lives

Manjunath closed her talk with an inspiring message that resonated deeply with the audience: “If a shy girl like me, who was once just a techie, can build a life-saving solution, each one of you can achieve your dreams too. Be open to feedback. Most importantly, when you ‘feel’ for the problem, you will find the solutions.”

Her words carried a powerful message about the potential of innovation to drive meaningful change in healthcare. Manjunath’s journey from being a technology researcher to leading a company at the forefront of AI-driven healthcare solutions serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring women entrepreneurs and innovators everywhere.

Her story reinforces the idea that when driven by purpose, technology has the power to overcome barriers and create a better world. “When it comes to women’s health, you are not solving for yourself but for a huge population of women who can benefit from it,” she emphasized.

The Future of Healthcare and Innovation

Manjunath’s work at NIRAMAI represents a pivotal moment in healthcare, particularly in how we address women’s health issues. By combining technology, compassion, and a deep understanding of the problems at hand, she has paved the way for a more inclusive, accessible, and effective healthcare system.

The journey to transforming healthcare for women is far from over, but with innovators like Geetha Manjunath leading the charge, the future looks brighter than ever. Her work reminds us that when passion, innovation, and purpose align, the barriers in healthcare can be broken, and lives can be saved. Through initiatives like Thermalytix, women around the world now have access to the early detection they need to live healthier, longer lives.

As Geetha Manjunath continues to lead NIRAMAI toward new horizons in healthcare innovation, her story serves as an inspiration to all who dare to dream and push the boundaries of what is possible. With technology as an ally, the future of women’s health is in capable hands.