India’s MRI Innovation Race: Who Built It First?
India’s two “first indigenous” MRI machines spark debate. A closer look at what truly defines innovation and indigenization.
India’s MRI Innovation Race: Who Built It First?
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When the Indian government proudly announced in March 2025 that its first indigenous MRI machine was set for trials at AIIMS Delhi, it seemed like a clear victory for homegrown medical technology. But rewind two years, and you’ll find that another MRI machine, launched in 2023 by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, had already claimed the same pioneering title. Now, with two contenders vying for the same recognition, the line between “first” and “first” has never been blurrier.
The MRI Machine: A Diagnostic Powerhouse
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a cornerstone of modern medical diagnostics. By leveraging powerful magnets and radio waves, MRI machines provide detailed images of internal organs, muscles, and the brain—offering clarity far superior to X-rays or CT scans, particularly for soft tissue evaluation.
So it’s no surprise that building one domestically is a matter of national pride, innovation, and economic sense. Reducing dependence on imports and boosting local capability can transform accessibility and affordability in Indian healthcare.
Voxelgrids: The Early Innovator
Bengaluru-based Voxelgrids Innovations seemed to hit this milestone first. In August 2023, it launched a 1.5 Tesla high-field MRI scanner, touted for being lightweight, faster, and cheaper than conventional machines. It had the government’s backing too, with support from the Department of Biotechnology under the National Biopharma Mission.
Voxelgrids’ machine secured regulatory approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and soon began clinical installations, including one at the Tata Cancer Foundation in Maharashtra. But despite early success, delays in hospital readiness pushed back actual deployment—leaving a gap for another contender to step in.
SAMEER’s Bold Claim
Enter SAMEER (Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research), an institution under the Ministry of Electronics and IT. Their MRI machine, scheduled for trials at AIIMS Delhi in October 2025, is still awaiting CDSCO certification. Yet, the government has promoted it as India’s “first” indigenous MRI.
SAMEER’s machine isn’t just another player—it claims a deeper form of indigenization. Unlike Voxelgrids, which imports certain components, SAMEER, in collaboration with the Inter-University Accelerator Center, designed and built its magnet and cryogenic system entirely in-house. Dr. Hanumantha Rao, SAMEER’s Director General, emphasizes this point: “We designed, developed, and built the entire system. That is true end-to-end indigenization.”
Redefining ‘Indigenous’
But who really deserves the title of “first indigenous MRI”? The answer hinges on how you define the term.
Voxelgrids founder Arjun Arunachalam offers a nuanced view. While acknowledging that key components like superconducting wire and cryocoolers are imported, he argues that the innovation lies in system integration, design, and precision engineering—largely done in India. “Assembling the parts into a functioning magnet is a different skill altogether,” he noted.
This reveals a deeper philosophical divide: Is “indigenous” about where components come from, or how innovatively they’re used to solve domestic challenges?
Behind the Scenes: Funding, Delays, and Determination
Though the government invested around ₹12 crore in Voxelgrids through BIRAC, the total cost to develop the machine exceeded ₹80 crore. Most of the funding came from private investors, including Zoho Corporation, Social Alpha, and Tata Trusts. The latter’s involvement even influenced where the machine would be installed—tying it to a specific site that wasn’t ready, which delayed the machine’s clinical debut.
Meanwhile, Arunachalam highlights the mismatch between government grant timelines and real-world innovation cycles. “Effective innovation requires more flexibility in funding and execution,” he explained. He also challenged the idea that “Make in India” should be limited to state-backed projects: “It should include anyone building deep-tech solutions in India, not just government labs.”
The Real Victory: India’s Growing Tech Ecosystem
This dual-claim saga underscores not just a branding contest, but something far more meaningful—a maturing Indian tech ecosystem that now has the capacity to build highly complex medical equipment. Whether it’s Voxelgrids’ agile private model or SAMEER’s government-led approach, both ventures represent significant strides in healthcare self-reliance.
The competition may appear messy, but it’s also a testament to India’s evolving capabilities. As more players enter the field, the lines between “first,” “indigenous,” and “innovative” may continue to blur. But perhaps the more important takeaway is this: India is finally stepping onto the global stage not just as a consumer of medical technology, but as a creator.
Conclusion: Beyond the Title, Toward Transformation
In the race to build India’s “first indigenous MRI machine,” the trophy might be up for debate—but the real winner is the country’s healthcare innovation landscape. Whether through government-led institutions like SAMEER or private pioneers like Voxelgrids, India is showing the world that it can design, develop, and deliver high-tech solutions on its own terms. The focus now should shift from who came first to who will serve the nation best.
Disclaimer:
This article aims to present a balanced and fact-based analysis of the competing claims regarding India’s indigenous MRI machines. All quotes and technical interpretations are attributed to their respective sources and do not represent the author’s personal opinion.
source : The Print