Voxelgrids Innovations Private Limited
Dry 1.5T Magnet MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) Solution
POTENTIAL IMPACT
3
Pilot MRI scanners Installed in tier 2 and tier 3 cities
120
MRI scanners/year will be produced by 2027 with the establishment of a facility
Geographical Focus
- Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Tamil Nadu
Voxelgrid acknowledges SAMRIDH’s crucial support in expanding our cutting-edge MRI technology to tier 2 and 3 cities. This partnership has enhanced reliability, gathered vital clinical feedback, and holds great promise in making medical imaging more accessible across India. We’re encouraged by the progress made and look forward to continued success in transforming medical diagnostics.
Samridh support
SAMRIDH is supporting Voxelgrids with a recoverable grant to advance the accessibility and affordability of next-generation MRI technologies. This will be achieved by installing scanners in tier 2 and 3 cities, towns, and villages and reinforcing sales teams for effective outreach. Additionally, comprehensive reliability assessments, rigorous software testing, developing essential hardware accessories, expanding service teams for prompt support, and fostering strategic partnerships for potential global expansion will be undertaken. The funding support covers the operational expenditure for 12-15 months and has enabled Voxelgrids to raise further commercial capital – creating a leverage of ~13.5x on the funds committed.
4800
MRI machines available in India with a recurring annual demand of 350 machines. [1]
₹1500
to ₹2500 is the average cost of an MRI scan in India, posing a significant affordability challenge, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities and rural areas. [2]
$30,000
Or more required to refill liquid helium after an MRI leak. [3]
Despite the invention of MRI in 1974, it is largely inaccessible to rural populations, especially in UP, Rajasthan, Assam, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu. This is due to high costs, infrastructure limitations, and power supply challenges. These states face an affordability burden as the cost of MRI scans varies considerably. Additionally, traditional manufacturing processes for MRI machines raise concerns about environmental hazards, particularly due to the potential leakage of liquid helium used in conventional machines. Addressing these challenges is crucial for expanding access to essential diagnostics in rural areas and ensuring India aligns with global healthcare and sustainability goals.
[1] Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh Launches India’s First Indigenously Developed, Affordable, Lightweight, Ultrafast, High Field (1.5 Tesla), Next Generation Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanner in New Delhi.” n.d.:
[2] “ Emergency rundown unit ” n.d. Questions and Answers in MRI.
[3] “Emergency Rundown Unit.” n.d. Questions and Answers in MRI.
Voxelgrids Innovations Private Limited is a medical device startup that manufactures and sells state-of-the-art MRI scanners in India. Their 1.5T magnet MRI is a cost-effective, energy-efficient, helium-free solution making it compact, mobile, and highly resilient to electrical and environmental disruptions. These features make it ideal for deployment in tier 2 & 3 cities, towns, and villages. The device also features patented software to enhance imaging quality endorsed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Notably, Voxelgrids prioritizes environmental sustainability, operating as a white-category organization with minimal chemical/waste discharges. This environmentally sustainable innovation extends MRI accessibility to remote areas – making it autonomous and versatile for diverse healthcare settings.