According to the Global TB Report 2023, tuberculosis claimed 3,42,000 lives in just one year. India, too, continues to grapple with this persistent health concern, affecting lakhs of people across the country.

To combat this, a Pune-based startup has developed groundbreaking AI technology that can rapidly screen for TB in mere seconds.

Co-founded by Dr Amit Kharat and Ajit Patil, DeepTek combines technology and healthcare to meet the urgent need for rapid TB diagnosis in underserved communities across India.

With their AI, Genki, the waiting time for TB results has been reduced to just 30-60 seconds, compared to months.

Genki analyses a suspected patient’s chest X-rays using 10 million data points to detect signs of TB. This quick assessment gives healthcare workers the ability to act promptly, significantly improving patient outcomes.

The startup has conducted trials in various healthcare settings to validate their AI’s accuracy. “We have been audited by Stop TB, a WHO body, which confirmed that our AI’s results are as reliable as human readings,” shares Dr Amit.

This innovation is particularly impactful in rural areas and clinics where access to quality healthcare is limited, ensuring that even the most underserved communities benefit.

They have also developed products such as a patient tool for on-the-ground use, a cloud platform that records patient data, and a responsible AI threshold to regulate the accuracy of their technology.

The team aims to expand their technology beyond TB, envisioning a future where AI assists in diagnosing other diseases, ultimately transforming the healthcare landscape across India.

“We want to work with NGOs and the government to help eliminate TB at the national level,” says Dr Amit.

With their tech savvy approach, DeepTek and Genki are not just combating tuberculosis; they’re paving the way for a healthier future for all.