logo
Jeune Health, SugarStrings, Humors Tech—know the healthcare innovations backed by BITS Pilani Conquest

Jeune Health, SugarStrings, Humors Tech—know the healthcare innovations backed by BITS Pilani Conquest

The Print23-07-2025
Whether it is a breath-based tool flagging early health risks, an AI layer helping hospitals match patients to trials, or a genomics platform telling you what your DNA has to say about your future, these teams are solving real problems for real people.
Backing this change is the BITS Pilani flagship start-up accelerator, Conquest, which supports a new generation of founders through a zero-cost, zero-equity model, helping reimagine healthcare for the better.
New Delhi: From long hospital queues to last-minute diagnoses—we have all seen how broken India's healthcare system can be. But, amid these everyday frustrations, a quiet shift is underway towards care that is faster, 'smarter', and designed for people, not just patients.
As India grapples with rising chronic illnesses, limited access to specialists, and a growing demand for preventive care, this new generation of healthcare start-ups has been stepping up with bold ideas and lived empathy.
Let us meet the innovators leading the way.
Jeune Health
Founder: Shashank Choudhary
Founded in: 2025
HQ: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Jeune Health plans to drastically improve how clinical trials recruit relevant patients with a 'trial OS (operating system)' for hospitals and clinical research organisations (CROs). Clinical trial recruitment today is a slow and inefficient process, with only 30 percent of recruited patients proving clinically relevant, and it can take up to 3 years to find the right cohort.
Jeune solves this through an AI-powered patient-trial matchmaking engine. It uses natural language processing, or NLP, to interpret raw electronic health records and match them to trial criteria. So, it helps hospitals and CROs find patients faster and more accurately with an automated consent management system built in. The two-sided business model also creates a monetised referral loop between hospitals and CROs, streamlining an otherwise fragmented system.
SugarStrings.ai
Founders: Tony Jose, Dr Rajasekhara Reddy, Dhaneesh Jameson
Founded in: 2023
HQ: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Sugarstrings.ai is redefining preventive health with its next-generation genetic screening platform, delivering diagnostic-grade reports for over 6,000 diseases with 95 percent accuracy. Unlike conventional polygenic risk score models, which suffer from population bias and low clinical utility, Sugarstrings uses proprietary machine learning models for diverse Indian genetic data.
Their clients range from start-up CXOs (CEO, CFO, CMO, among others) to doctors and celebrities. The platform enables not only diagnosis, but peace of mind, actionable prevention, and treatment guidance. With concierge-style D2C positioning and bundled health span offerings, Sugarstrings is making high-precision genetics both luxurious and life-saving.
Humors Tech
Founders: Ankur Jaiswal, Suchita Kanaldekar
Founded in: 2021
HQ: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Built by a team with deep roots in biotechnology research and embedded systems, Humorstech-Respyr is a start-up on a mission to make preventive healthcare accessible—one breath at a time. The team has made the country's first patented breath-based health screening system, focusing on identifying early signs of metabolic stress through the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Combining real-time analytics with user-friendly hardware, the team has already created a clinically validated and non-invasive platform for obtaining insights into sugar, gut, liver, and respiratory health. With support from IIT Patna, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), and multiple hospital collaborations, Respyr is now expanding its presence through the D2C (direct-to-consumer) and B2B2C (business-to-business-to-consumer) channels.
'Demo Day'
Together, Jeune Health, SugarStrings.ai, and Humorstech-Respyr show India's healthcare innovations will become more accessible, data-driven, and preventive. With a focus on real-world problems and patient-first design, the start-ups are moving healthcare beyond hospitals and into everyday life—quietly reshaping how to understand and deliver care.
The online phase of Conquest is currently in motion, featuring intensive mentorship and founder support. Up next is the offline leg where selected start-ups will come together for in-person sessions, culminating in 'Demo Day', this August.
Registrations for Conquest '25 are open on Conquest's website. Click here to visit.
Conquest 2025 is being organised by BITS Pilani. ThePrint is its Digital Outreach Partner.
Also Read: India's accelerator boom needs a reset. How BITS Pilani's Conquest provides the blueprint
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Neuroscientist says this one exercise could protect your brain and keep memory strong for years
Neuroscientist says this one exercise could protect your brain and keep memory strong for years

Time of India

time34 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Neuroscientist says this one exercise could protect your brain and keep memory strong for years

Alzheimer's disease affects an estimated 6.7 million older adults in the United States, a figure expected to double by 2060. While there is currently no cure, research suggests that certain lifestyle habits can help reduce the risk, and one particular type of exercise appears to be especially effective. Independence Day 2025 Before Trump, British used tariffs to kill Indian textile Bank of Azad Hind: When Netaji gave India its own currency Swadeshi 2.0: India is no longer just a market, it's a maker Dementia remains one of the biggest global health challenges of the 21st century. Alzheimer's, the most common form, is a progressive and irreversible condition that causes functional, cognitive, and behavioural decline. Age and genetics are known risk factors, but studies have found that around 35% of dementia risk is linked to modifiable factors such as high blood pressure in midlife, obesity, smoking, social isolation, hearing loss, depression, diabetes, and low physical activity. The Exercise That Stands Out Physical activity has long been recognised as a protective factor for brain health. However, according to a report in TOI, new research points towards a specific approach that may offer even greater benefits, dual-task exercise. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Undo Dr Robert W.B. Love, a neuroscientist specialising in Alzheimer's prevention, was quoted in TOI highlighting that this type of exercise involves engaging both the body and the mind at the same time. Dr Heather Sandison, a naturopathic doctor, was quoted as explaining in TOI that dual-task exercise means 'doing something physical while also challenging the brain', for example, walking while having a conversation. What Research Reveals A 2022 review, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and cited by TOI, examined how dual-task training, activities combining physical movement with mental challenges, affected older adults with cognitive decline. The review found that 2–5 weekly sessions, each lasting between 30 and 120 minutes, led to noticeable improvements in memory, attention, problem-solving, balance, and walking speed. Live Events The researchers also noted a surprising benefit: reduced levels of ß-amyloid, a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. As reported in TOI, this is because dual-task activities require the brain to process information, coordinate movement, and maintain focus all at once. This simultaneous demand engages multiple brain networks, strengthens neural connections, and promotes neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to adapt and form new pathways. No Single Solution Experts emphasised, as reported in TOI, that no single habit can guarantee protection against Alzheimer's. The most effective strategy combines regular dual-task exercise with other healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet, staying socially engaged, and managing health conditions like hypertension and diabetes. The message is clear: while there is no magic bullet for preventing Alzheimer's, combining mental and physical stimulation through dual-task activities could be a valuable tool in preserving both cognitive skills and independence in later life.

Global First: Indian Scientists Map Cervical Cancer At Molecular Level, Open Doors To Precision Treatment
Global First: Indian Scientists Map Cervical Cancer At Molecular Level, Open Doors To Precision Treatment

NDTV

time2 hours ago

  • NDTV

Global First: Indian Scientists Map Cervical Cancer At Molecular Level, Open Doors To Precision Treatment

In a landmark achievement that places India firmly on the global oncology map, a team of Indian scientists and clinicians has conducted the country's first-ever integrative genomic and phosphoproteomic analysis of cervical cancer. This pioneering research, based on patient samples from Bihar, a state heavily impacted by the disease, unravels why some patients fail to respond to standard treatments and suggests more effective, personalised alternatives. Led by PhD scholars Janani Sambath and Irene A. George under the mentorship of Dr. Prashant Kumar, this study represents the world's first whole-genome and global proteomics-phosphoproteomics mapping of cervical cancer. On the clinical front, Dr. Richa Chauhan, senior oncologist at Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, Patna, monitored the application of these findings in real-world scenarios. "This research is close to my heart," says Dr. Chauhan. "As a cancer physician, I see women every day, many from rural or underserved backgrounds, with late-stage cervical cancer. Being part of a study that not only decodes resistance but also proposes actionable solutions is deeply gratifying." Revealing The Genetic Drivers Of Resistance Using advanced DNA sequencing, the researchers identified two major genetic alterations common in treatment-resistant cervical tumours: An increase in the number of copies of the EGFR gene, which accelerates cancer cell growth and spread. The loss of the STK11 gene, which normally functions as a growth brake. These findings are clinically significant as EGFR can be targeted using existing cancer drugs, potentially offering life-saving treatment options for patients unresponsive to standard therapy. Proteins That Hold The Key The proteomics arm of the study revealed that the CSNK2A1 protein acts as a "master switch" in treatment-resistant tumours, enabling survival pathways. Blocking this protein with the drug silmitasertib, in combination with low-dose cisplatin, significantly reduced cancer growth in lab experiments. In parallel, the phosphoproteomics analysis uncovered another protein-STX3-consistently present at high levels in resistant tumours. Identified as a powerful biomarker, STX3's discovery has been patented by the Government of India (Patent No. 404113) and has garnered widespread national attention. Recognition On The Global Stage Dr. Prashant Kumar presented the study at the ESMO Asia Congress 2024 in Singapore, where it earned the prestigious Best Poster Award, competing against top cancer research teams worldwide. This recognition not only validates the scientific excellence of the work but also strengthens India's position in the fight against women's cancers. "This is not just a scientific achievement, it's a social imperative," says Dr. Kumar. "We're proud that our research, powered by Indian samples and minds, is creating real translational possibilities." Why It Matters For India: Cervical Cancer Impact On Indian Women Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women, responsible for nearly 10% of all female cancer cases. Despite HPV vaccination efforts, rural states like Bihar continue to face late-stage diagnoses, underscoring the urgent need for early detection tools and improved treatment protocols. Cervical cancer begins in the cervix-the lower part of the uterus-and is typically driven by long-term infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types, especially HPV-16 and 18. Often slow to show symptoms, it may initially involve irregular or abnormal vaginal bleeding, making regular screening (via Pap smears or HPV tests) vital for early detection and successful treatment. Globally, it ranks as the fourth most common cancer in women, with over 600,000 new cases and nearly 342,000 deaths reported in 2020. In India, the burden is even higher: age-standardised incidence is about 14.7 per 100,000 women, with a mortality rate of 9.2 per 100,000, as another study published in BMC Cancer in 2022 suggests. Roughly 96,900 new cases are diagnosed annually, with 60,000-67,000 deaths, accounting for about one-fifth of global cervical cancer burden. The five-year survival rate in India hovers around 47%, significantly lower than figures in more developed countries. Vulnerable groups, such as women from lower socioeconomic strata, rural areas, and with limited education, are disproportionately affected. Incidence rates peak among women aged 50-59, especially in regions like Northeast India, with cities like Aizawl reporting rates as high as 24 per 100,000. Alarmingly, screening rates remain abysmally low. Data from NFHS-5 shows only about 1-2% of women have ever undergone cervical cancer screening. This wide gap in awareness and access underscores a pressing public health priority. Keeping these in mind, the team behind the new breakthrough study aims to move silmitasertib-based combination regimens into clinical trials, alongside the development of targeted clinical tests to guide treatment planning. With its blend of cutting-edge molecular science and deep compassion for patients, this research offers renewed hope to thousands of women who need it most.

Public health service, nurses' union condemn attacks on Indians in Ireland
Public health service, nurses' union condemn attacks on Indians in Ireland

News18

time3 hours ago

  • News18

Public health service, nurses' union condemn attacks on Indians in Ireland

London, Aug 14 (PTI) Ireland's Health Service Executive and the largest nurses' union have spoken out against the 'racist abuse and assaults" targeting members of the Indian community and cautioned that their exodus would have a 'dramatic impact" on the healthcare sector. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Health Service Executive (HSE) said that the effective operation of many essential health services in Ireland would be seriously threatened without the support of the many thousands of international staff that work in the country's hospitals and community services. According to the Irish public health service provider, healthcare professionals from India, Africa and other Asian countries account for 23 per cent of HSE nurses and midwives. 'The HSE unequivocally condemns all incidents of racist abuse and assaults of people from abroad, their families and the wider community. It is unacceptable. People should not be afraid to leave their house or go to work for fear of abuse," said Anne Marie Hoey, Chief People Officer of the HSE. 'We are proud of our organisation's diversity and are dependent on all our staff for the delivery of frontline, essential services… We are deeply grateful to international workers who have chosen to move their lives and families to Ireland to work with the HSE and help provide essential care and support for patients," she said. Hoey said the HSE was 'saddened" to hear reports that some international staff, now fearful for their personal safety, are considering moving away. 'This will have a dramatic impact on staff levels and the provision of health services and should be a cause for alarm for people in this country," she said. The intervention came after a spate of violent assaults on Indians in the capital Dublin and other regions have been reported to the Irish police force, An Garda Síochána. Last week, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) condemned the 'racially motivated abuse" of its workers and called for robust action against the perpetrators. 'Recent horrific attacks on members of the Indian community in Ireland should be condemned. There must be a robust policing response to racially motivated abuse and attacks. We do not want Ireland to be a place where nurses and midwives are afraid to work," said INMO Deputy General Secretary Edward Mathews. 'Providing more robust protections would go a long way to making internationally educated nurses and midwives feel safe. Everyone should have the right to work in an environment free from abuse or harassment of any kind, and to feel safe in their community," he said. He also referenced the safety advisory issued earlier this month by the Indian Embassy in Dublin, calling on its nationals to take 'reasonable precautions for their personal security and avoid deserted areas, especially at odd hours". Mathews added: 'In broader terms, as a society, it has never been more important to reject racism. Hateful rhetoric and violent attacks must not become the norm." 'It is unacceptable that consular services in Ireland feel the need to issue advisories about travel and personal security at unsocial hours. This should raise alarm bells, this is not the type of country we want to be." Earlier this week, Irish President Michael D Higgins condemned the 'despicable attacks", which he said obscured the 'immeasurable benefits" the people of India have brought to the life of the country. In one of the recent incidents, an Indian man attacked by a group of teenagers on Sunday told local Irish media that he and many of his friends were returning to India as they are now 'scared to go outside". On Monday, the Ireland India Council announced the postponement of its annual 'India Day" celebrations, planned in Dublin for Sunday, amid security concerns for the community. An Garda Síochána has said its investigations are ongoing, after it logged a series of reports of assaults involving people of Indian heritage. PTI AK GSP GSP (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: August 14, 2025, 20:30 IST News agency-feeds Public health service, nurses' union condemn attacks on Indians in Ireland Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store