In a major push to promote AI-driven innovation in healthcare, IndiaAI and Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation have jointly launched the Health Innovation Acceleration Hackathon.
The initiative, announced on April 2, 2026, invites startups and companies to develop advanced AI solutions aimed at transforming regulatory processes in India’s healthcare sector.
Objective of the Hackathon
The hackathon is part of the IndiaAI Application Development Initiative (IADI), under the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY). It focuses on:
- Streamlining regulatory workflows
- Building privacy-preserving AI solutions
- Accelerating healthcare innovation approvals
Participants are expected to develop an end-to-end AI system across multiple stages.
Stage 1: Building Core AI Capabilities
In the first stage, participants must design solutions with key functionalities such as:
- Data anonymisation tools to ensure privacy protection
- Intelligent document summarisation for extracting key information
- Processing data from:
- SUGAM applications
- Serious Adverse Event (SAE) reports
- Meeting transcripts
Additionally, the system should be capable of:
- Detecting missing fields in regulatory forms
- Classifying cases based on severity levels
- Identifying changes between document versions
- Generating inspection reports from handwritten notes
Stage 2: Advanced Integration and Deployment
Shortlisted teams will move to Stage 2, where they will:
- Refine their models using proprietary CDSCO datasets
- Integrate solutions with:
- SUGAM portal
- MD Online portal
- Aim to speed up regulatory approvals and improve efficiency
The stage will conclude with a detailed project report outlining outcomes and impact.
Prizes and Incentives
The hackathon offers attractive rewards and opportunities:
- Top 10 teams from Stage 1 will advance to a 5-day on-site development round at CDSCO, New Delhi
- Winning team:
- Up to ₹10 lakh cash prize
- Opportunity for a one-year contract worth up to ₹50 lakh
- Second prize: Up to ₹7 lakh
- Third prize: Up to ₹3 lakh
- Special award: Up to ₹5 lakh for an all-women team
How to Apply
Interested participants can apply through the AIKosh portal (official IndiaAI platform).
- Last date to apply: April 17, 2026
Conclusion
The IndiaAI–CDSCO hackathon marks a significant step toward integrating artificial intelligence into healthcare governance. By encouraging innovation in regulatory processes, the initiative aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and faster access to medical advancements in India.