From cancer screening in 60 seconds to rare-earth-free motors, Indian deep-tech takes Brics stage

NEW DELHI: A cervical cancer screening system that assesses risk in under 60 seconds, an electric motor that does away with rare-earth materials and a quantum computer with a 64-qubit processor will be among Indian innovations showcased to Brics leaders in Delhi this week.Thirty-seven deep-tech ventures spanning space, healthcare, clean energy, semiconductors, robotics, telecom and advanced materials are participating in the two-day Brics Bharat Innovates Exposition at Bharat Mandapam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, education minister Pralhad Joshi and heads of Brics delegations are expected to visit the exhibition, being organised alongside the Brics Business Forum and ahead of the summit on September 12-13.The exhibits offer a snapshot of technologies moving from Indian laboratories and startups towards commercial use.Among them is Periwinkle Technologies' AI-enabled cervical cancer screening and triage platform, which provides a risk assessment in under a minute. Janitri Innovations is bringing an AI system that continuously monitors mothers and foetuses for clinical risks, while Niramai has developed radiation-free thermal imaging for early breast cancer screening.The range extends well beyond healthcare. Chara Technologies will showcase rare-earth-free electric powertrains, while QpiAI's quantum computing systems range from an eight-qubit machine for education and research to its 64-qubit Kaveri processor.Space technologies include Dhruva Space's small-satellite platforms and GalaxEye's Drishti, which combines radar and optical sensors to produce day-and-night, all-weather Earth imagery. Another venture is developing satellite infrastructure with in-orbit AI computing and data-centre capabilities.Other innovations tackle everyday industrial problems: AI-based fruit grading, robotic warehouse sorting, real-time earthquake warning, pipeline inspection and carbon capture. One patented nano-coating promises higher output from solar panels while reducing water use, while another startup has developed biodegradable wool denim.The innovation push is also extending to agriculture. A dedicated Brics Agri Portal will be launched to connect farmers, agri-tech startups, researchers, investors and businesses across member countries, it was decided at a Brics Business Council session on agri-products and agri-tech startups. Vikramjit Singh Sahney, member of the council's India chapter, said the platform would seek to improve market access, technology exchange and agricultural trade, while also supporting affordable financing for farm machinery and better post-harvest management. The proposed portal will also focus on cooperation in plant protection and quarantine and closer alignment of standards and protocols. Sahney said technologies such as AI, remote sensing, precision farming and digital marketplaces could help improve farm productivity while using fewer resources.The 37 were selected from 120 ventures showcased at the first Bharat Innovates exposition in Nice, France, in June. According to the ministry, that event generated 1,350 business meetings, more than 30 collaborations and funding commitments of $254.5 million.The Delhi edition is intended to connect the innovators with Brics investors, companies and research institutions, with structured business meetings planned during the exposition.Get the latest Business News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.