On National Cancer Awareness Day, the Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), reaffirmed its dedication to revolutionizing cancer care through its flagship initiative — ‘Hyundai Hope for Cancer’. Developed in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), this program has made significant progress in cancer research, prevention, and awareness since its launch in September 2025, positively impacting thousands of lives.
Advancing Cancer Research Through Innovation
At the core of the initiative lies the Hyundai Centre for Cancer Genomics at IIT Madras, which houses India’s first community-based Cancer Tissue Biobank and the newly established Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA) — the nation’s first open-access cancer genome database. This pioneering platform is set to accelerate breakthroughs in personalized oncology, offering valuable insights for researchers and clinicians nationwide.
HMIF’s Vision for Equitable Cancer Care
Reinforcing HMIF’s mission, Mr. Puneet Anand, AVP & Vertical Head – Corporate Affairs, Corporate Communication & Social, HMIL, stated,
“Hyundai Hope for Cancer reflects our firm belief that technology, compassion, and collaboration can drive transformative change in cancer care. On National Cancer Awareness Day, we renew our commitment to ensuring that every citizen has access to timely, personalized, and dignified cancer care.”
With a commitment of INR 56 Crore, including a dedicated INR 3 Crore Cancer Care Fund, HMIF continues to advance efforts in early detection, research, treatment, and community outreach, already touching over 11,000 lives to date.
Key Milestones of Hyundai Hope for Cancer
1. Community Outreach and Screening
- Conducted 109 cancer awareness and screening camps across Tamil Nadu, reaching 11,095 individuals.
- Screened for oral, cervical, colon, breast, and prostate cancers.
- Identified 448 individuals who tested positive and referred them to government hospitals for advanced care.
2. Cancer Tissue Biobank and Genomic Sequencing
- Collected 1,104 cancer tissue samples and completed whole genome sequencing for 528 paediatric leukaemia cases.
- Ongoing genomic analysis aims to identify India-specific biomarker gene panels for early diagnosis and disease monitoring.
- Launched Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA) as the country’s first open-access cancer genome database, hosted by IIT Madras.
3. HPV Vaccination Drive
- Vaccinated 525 girls against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in collaboration with Karkinos Healthcare and the Cancer Research and Relief Trust (CRRT).
- The drive covered districts of Ariyalur, Virudhunagar, and Salem in Tamil Nadu.
Expanding the Impact: Upcoming Initiatives
Looking ahead, HMIF plans several impactful programs to deepen its community reach and strengthen healthcare infrastructure.
- Free cancer treatment for underprivileged children in collaboration with leading healthcare institutions across India.
- Technician training programs to upskill 100+ lab professionals in genomic sequencing and molecular oncology by FY 2026.
- A fully equipped Cancer Screening Vehicle has already covered 17 districts in Tamil Nadu, with expansion to Maharashtra and Haryana planned for FY 2026.
The Road Ahead
As per the press release, over the next four years, HMIF will conduct 225+ cancer awareness and screening camps across Tamil Nadu, Haryana, and Maharashtra. These efforts aim to reach 1.27 lakh individuals and vaccinate over 5,000 girls against HPV.
Through innovation, compassion, and collaboration, Hyundai Motor India Foundation continues to redefine cancer care. It is striving toward a future where early detection and equitable treatment are accessible to every citizen in India.