IIT Kozhikode ties up for indigenous scan

Kozhikode: The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) in Kozhikode has joined hands with IIT Madras to tap the potential of indigenous knowledge in biomedical engineering research. Rather than using foreign-made algorithms (a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations, especially by a computer) which is prevalent now, Indian algorithms would be provided by IIT and the hardware would be developed at NIELIT. 

After inking an MoU to this effect in Chennai on Wednesday, NIELIT executive director Dr M.P. Pillai said that the collaboration aimed at research and capacity building in the areas of specialized electronic domains such as bio-medical hardware and medical ultrasound imaging. "This is one of the first initiatives among institutions of higher learning and research institutes across different ministries," he said. 

Speaking to DC, NIELIT Senior Scientist, Jayaraj U. Kidav explained that the Ultrasound Research Platform, the unique research facility available at NIELIT and IIT Madras, would be used for high end algorithm development for elastographic, tissue harmonic imaging etc. "The research aims at developing early cancer detection systems in the long run. Actually, the Indian algorithm has a strong base but tapped little. This should be changed and indigenous knowledge be used for the betterment of the lives of people," he elaborated. 

The joint research aims at developing indigenous techniques for bio-medical instrumentation, high end medical ultrasound imaging among others and implementing them through indigenous designs. NEILIT is developing the prototype of ultrasound scanner under 'Make in India' project to make available the equipment cheap in rural India so as to curb infant mortality and maternal death.