In a major recognition for India’s growing health-tech ecosystem, Wadhwani AI, in collaboration with AIIMS New Delhi, has won the “AI for ALL: Global Impact Challenge” at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 for its diabetic retinopathy screening solution, MadhuNetrAI. The global challenge drew more than 4,600 applications from over 60 countries, highlighting AI solutions that create large-scale social impact. MadhuNetrAI was recognised for its real-world deployment in India’s public healthcare system and its ability to improve early detection of diabetic retinopathy (DR).
Tackling a Growing Health Crisis
India has one of the highest diabetes burdens in the world, with over 101 million people living with the condition. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of preventable blindness, especially when screening is delayed or patients lack access to specialists. MadhuNetrAI aims to bridge this gap. The AI-powered tool analyses retinal fundus images to detect and classify the severity of diabetic retinopathy. It helps identify patients who need timely referral and treatment, reducing the risk of vision loss.
Developed by Wadhwani AI in partnership with AIIMS Delhi and under the guidance of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the solution has been clinically validated and built for use in public health settings. It supports frontline healthcare workers such as nurses, optometrists, and community health officers by assisting with image grading and triaging referable cases based on global standards.
Importantly, the system enables screening in community settings where specialist ophthalmologists may not be easily available.
Real-World Impact at Scale
So far, MadhuNetrAI has processed around 20,000 retinal images and supported the screening of more than 10,000 patients. The solution has been deployed across 40 healthcare facilities covering 21 districts in 11 states. The system has identified over 3,000 referable cases and flagged more than 1,000 instances of vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy requiring urgent care. Early detection in such cases can prevent irreversible blindness.
Doctors from the R P Centre of Ophthalmic Sciences at AIIMS Delhi, associated with the project, noted that the strength of the solution lies in its ability to support early detection and consistent grading at scale without compromising clinical standards. Vipin Garg, National Program Lead (Health) at Wadhwani AI, said the solution is ready for scaled deployment and the next step is deeper integration with national non-communicable disease screening frameworks under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
India’s Growing Role in Responsible AI
The recognition at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 highlights India’s growing leadership in building AI systems that are ethical, clinically validated, and ready for deployment in public systems. It also reflects the power of collaboration between technology institutions, medical bodies, and the government to address large-scale healthcare challenges. Founded as a not-for-profit institute, Wadhwani AI works across health, agriculture, and education to build AI solutions that create measurable impact. By using datasets that reflect India’s diverse population and focusing on last-mile deployment, the organisation aims to make technology accessible to communities that need it most.
With MadhuNetrAI, India is showing how AI can move beyond labs and pilot projects to deliver real benefits on the ground.
-By Shivani Solanki
