In a significant milestone for India’s medical technology ecosystem, VoxelGrids, a Zoho-backed start-up, has developed the country’s first indigenous MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner. This breakthrough marks a decisive step towards reducing India’s dependence on imported diagnostic equipment.
Deployed at Chandrapur Cancer Care Foundation
As reported by The Hindu Businessline, the newly developed MRI scanner has been deployed at the Chandrapur Cancer Care Foundation near Nagpur. It represents the culmination of a 12-year mission led by Arjun Arunachalam, Founder of VoxelGrids, and his team to design and manufacture a fully indigenous MRI system—an essential diagnostic tool that Indian hospitals currently source almost entirely from global manufacturers.
Not a Copy, but a Technological Leap
Unlike conventional machines from global giants such as Siemens or GE HealthCare, VoxelGrids’ MRI is not a mere replica. The scanner operates at a magnetic field strength of 1.5 tesla and incorporates original technological innovations. Notably, the system eliminates the need for liquid helium, which makes it nearly 40 per cent cheaper to manufacture.
Lower Costs and Higher Energy Efficiency
Arunachalam explained that the company has engineered highly compact and well-packaged electronics around the magnet without compromising bore size. As a result, the scanner delivers greater power efficiency and significantly lower operating costs, making MRI services more sustainable for healthcare providers.
Flexible Pay-Per-Use Model Expands Access
To further improve affordability, VoxelGrids offers pay-per-use pricing models, allowing hospitals to spread costs over time instead of paying a large upfront amount. This approach is especially beneficial for smaller hospitals, which often struggle with the high capital expenditure associated with MRI machines. Consequently, this model could substantially expand India’s MRI footprint.
Addressing India’s MRI Shortfall
The need for affordable MRI access is pressing. Industry data suggests that India has only around 5,000 MRI machines, translating to roughly 3.5 scanners per million people. Moreover, a Competition Commission of India market study shows that the top five OEMs—Siemens, GE, Philips, United Imaging, and Hitachi—account for over 91 per cent of MRI market revenue in the country. VoxelGrids’ entry could therefore introduce much-needed competition and accessibility.
Manufacturing Readiness and Commercial Launch Plans
Although the company has not yet made a full commercial launch, it already has the capacity to manufacture 20–25 MRI scanners annually at its Bengaluru facility. Arunachalam said that strong interest from hospitals has encouraged the team, and a commercial rollout is expected by the end of the current financial year.
Backed by Zoho, More Funding Ahead
VoxelGrids has secured $5 million in funding from Zoho and plans to raise a larger funding round as it moves closer to volume production. This financial backing will support scaling, manufacturing optimisation, and further product development.
Future Innovations and Global Ambitions
Looking ahead, the VoxelGrids team is working on additional enhancements, including a containerised mobile MRI unit. While the immediate focus remains on meeting domestic demand, Arunachalam indicated that the company may explore export opportunities in the long term.
A Step Towards Diagnostic Self-Reliance
Overall, VoxelGrids’ indigenous MRI scanner signals a transformative moment for Indian medtech. By combining innovation, affordability, and flexible access models, the start-up is poised to strengthen diagnostic infrastructure and advance India’s journey towards healthcare self-reliance.