Bengaluru, August 7(APAC Media): Bengaluru-based Voxelgrids is trying to change how MRI machines are made and used in India.
The startup, founded by Arjun Arunachalam, has developed an indigenous MRI scanner after years of work on medical imaging technology. The company’s approach focuses on lowering the cost and size of MRI systems, while reducing dependence on imported components.
The development comes at a time when India remains heavily dependent on imported MRI machines. According to Arunachalam, India imports around Rs 3,500 crore worth of MRI-related products annually, while an MRI scan can cost close to Rs 10,000 for patients.
Voxelgrids says its MRI machine is around 40% cheaper and 50% lighter than conventional systems. Its design also uses fewer cables and consumes less power. The company has also worked on an alternative to helium, which is widely used in conventional MRI systems.
The startup’s journey was not straightforward. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Voxelgrids was approached by a multinational company with a potential partnership offer. Arunachalam said the company decided against the deal because it feared losing control over its technology.
Tata Trusts became an early supporter of the project. Arunachalam said the organisation backed Voxelgrids when the startup was still developing the product and later supported it through an order for the machine. Tata Trusts has previously described Voxelgrids’ MRI work as an effort to make MRI more affordable and accessible in India.
Zoho also backed Voxelgrids. In 2021, Zoho invested $5 million in the Bengaluru-based startup for a 25% stake, according to reports at the time.
The funding gave Voxelgrids more time to continue developing its MRI technology without selling the company to a larger medical technology player.
The company has built its MRI system largely in-house, including its software and electronics. Its team has grown from four engineers to more than 30, according to Arunachalam.
Voxelgrids’ larger challenge now is commercial scale. Building an MRI machine requires expertise across medical imaging, electronics, software, engineering and magnet technology. The company’s ability to manufacture and deploy its systems at scale will determine whether its cost advantage can translate into cheaper MRI scans for patients.
For India, the bigger issue is access. A lower-cost MRI machine could make advanced diagnostic imaging more accessible to smaller hospitals and diagnostic centres outside major cities.
