Empowering Women’s Health with AI: The Story Behind SinDiColpo

In 2015, while pursuing a PhD in computer science at NUS Singapore, the Founders of CareNX were motivated by a personal tragedy to address critical gaps in maternal healthcare. A miscarriage suffered by one of the Founder’s sisters, due to inadequate monitoring and negligence, sparked a commitment to change.This led to the decision to leave graduate school, return to India, and team up with other Co-Founders. They spent six months conducting groundwork, collaborating with doctors and healthcare institutions, to devise a solution. Today, after seven years of dedicated efforts, CareNX has gained a profound understanding of the challenges, built global visibility, secured resources, and established strong governance practices. Their core philosophy of impact remains the driving force for continued innovation in women’s healthcare.

A breakthrough in cervical cancer screening

CareNX is an Indian healthtech start-up which develops &commercializes AI based technologies for women and child health. CareNX'sproduct suit is being used by 1000+ hospitals, 3000+ doctors, 4+ stategovernments and 6 other countries in SE Asia and Africa and has collectivelyscreened more than 500,000 pregnancies. The impactful work of CareNX has been felicitated by Hon’ble PM Shri. Modi, HM The Queen of England, PM of Great Britain, Commonwealth Secretariat, WHO Director and many more.

CareNX has developed SinDiColpo, a low-cost, point-of-care device for cervical cancer screening. This battery-operated and AI-enabled device is patented and has demonstrated 100% sensitivity in controlled studies when compared to the gold standard histopathology. SinDiColpo is currently being used in over 10 hospitals to gather market feedback and refine its functionality. This device is poised to revolutionize early cervical cancer screening, particularly in remote areas, by increasing screening rates and preventing the spread of cervical cancer.

 Partnering for success

The medical device industry poses significant challenges in brand building and distribution. CareNX addresses these challenges by forming partnerships with influential oncology and gynecology surgeons, as well as regional medical device distribution partners. These strategic collaborations enhance credibility and facilitate wider distribution of their innovative products.

Celebrating major achievements

CareNX has achieved several significant milestones:

•  Patent of SinDiColpo in India.

•  Secured seed investment from SINE IIT Bombay.

•  Awarded globally by MIT Solve for innovative use of AI in social impact.

What’s next in cervical cancer screening?

CareNX anticipates several key trends in cervical cancer screening over the next five years:

•  Increased use of HPV testing alongside or replacing Pap smears due to its high sensitivity.

•  Greater integration of AI to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of screening results.

•  Wider adoption of self-sampling kits for HPV testing, improving accessibility, especially in underserved areas.

•  Emphasis on personalized screening guidelines based on individual factors such as age and HPV status.

•  Continued use of telemedicine for screening consultations, offering convenience and flexibility.

•  Ongoing efforts to improve access to screening, particularly in marginalized communities.

About the team

Dr. Anupama Bhute has been leading overall Clinical Research at CareNX, a Gynaecologist by occupation and innovator of Sindicolpo. She is very passionate about technology and believes that it can make the world free of cancer. She has over 22+ years of experience in OBGYn practice and research. She holds MBBS, DNB and PhD.

‍

Mr. Prashant Jawanjal is a Project Director who leads overall aspects of Product Development and Business Strategy of SindiColpo at CareNX. Prashant has 25+ years of experience of technology, product & business management in multiple countries from fortune 500 companies. Prashant has been leveraging his expertise to develop SindiColpo as per the market needs. Prashant holds B. Tech, MBA and PhD in Management.

Mr. Rajesh Kamble is a Project Director who leads overall aspects of Strategic Collaborations & Partnerships for SindiColpo at CareNX. Rajesh has 25+ years of experience of business management having led key business positions in the fortune 500 companies. Rajesh leverages his extensive expertise to build collaborations & partnerships to advance market testing of SindiColpo and provides continuous feedback to the internal team. Rajesh holds B. Chem from IIT Bombay and executive education from Cornell University USA.

Mr. Aditya Kulkarni is Founder of CareNX Innovations - a women healthcare technology start-up from India. Aditya is passionate about using technology for digital health to help achieve universal healthcare access. Aditya has been recognized as a global emerging leader leveraging AI for social impact by HP, Cisco, G20 Young Global Changer, Google and MIT Solve, as well as being recognized as TEDxspeaker and Queen Elizabeth Awardee for his contributions in the healthcare domain. Aditya holds B. Tech., M. Tech. (IITM), PhD (NUS) and Management from Cambridge UK.

In conversation with the Founder Aditya Kulkarni:

Advice for aspiring innovators

For those aspiring to enter the healthcare industry, the creators advise prioritizing continuous learning and adaptability. The healthcare field is dynamic, with constant advancements in technology, treatments, and regulations, necessitating a commitment to lifelong learning and flexibility.

The role of Tech4Eva

Tech4Eva has been instrumental in CareNX’s journey by providing global visibility, investor connections, mentorship support, and a robust partnernetwork. Being part of the 2024 Tech4Eva cohort has been a source of immense pride for CareNX, helping them establish early traction in the market.

More info: www.sindicolpo.in and www.careNX.com

Facebook : CareNX