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India Leads Global Effort in Human Brain Mapping
31 Jan
Summary
- IIT Madras develops world's most detailed cell-resolution human brain maps.
- HTIC fosters medtech innovation, aiding millions of patients.
- New indigenous endoscopy platform developed after five years.
Professor Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam at IIT Madras is leading a significant advancement in neuroscience with the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre. This initiative aims to create the world's most detailed cell-resolution maps of the human brain across all life stages and diseases. This pioneering work, involving imaging entire human brains, is positioned to revolutionize our understanding of neurological conditions.
The Healthcare Technology Innovation Centre (HTIC), also headed by Sivaprakasam, has been instrumental in developing and deploying affordable healthcare technologies since 2011. HTIC has successfully commercialized 14 products, benefiting approximately two crore patients globally and incubating over 60 healthtech startups. Notably, it developed a mobile eye surgical unit and a portable adult eye screening device, significantly improving healthcare access.
Further innovation from HTIC includes the 3nethra Neo for screening newborns and a five-year development effort culminating in an indigenous flexible endoscopy platform. These advancements underscore India's growing capability in deep-tech medical device development. The Brain Centre's initial human brain maps, released in early 2025, represent a tenfold advancement in the field, with India taking a leading role in this global scientific endeavor.
