How One Woman’s Vision is Quietly Saving Thousands of Lives
Geetha Manjunath isn’t just advancing healthcare—she’s transforming it. By merging artificial intelligence with compassion, she’s created a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer. As the founder of NIRAMAI Health Analytix, her mission is bold and clear: make breast cancer screening safe, private, and accessible for every woman, everywhere.
Rooted in Curiosity, Built on Excellence
Born and raised in Bengaluru, Geetha’s fascination with computers shaped her path early on. She pursued a Bachelor's in Computer Science, followed by a Master’s and PhD in AI and data mining from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. Later, she added leadership training from the Kellogg School of Management to her portfolio.
Tech Trailblazer: From Supercomputers to Smart Healthcare
C-DAC: Geetha began her career by contributing to India’s first commercial supercomputer.
HP Labs: She spent 17 years as Principal Research Scientist, leading impactful AI and data-driven projects.
Xerox India: As Lab Director, she spearheaded innovative, tech-based solutions for real-world challenges.
NIRAMAI: A Bold Leap Toward Better Healthcare
In 2016, Geetha co-founded NIRAMAI (Non-Invasive Risk Assessment with Machine Intelligence) with Nidhi Mathur. Their breakthrough product, Thermalytix, uses AI and thermal imaging to detect breast cancer—without pain, contact, or radiation.
Why Thermalytix Is a Game-Changer
No radiation or compression
Completely private and non-invasive
Effective for younger women (below 45)
Portable and scalable, even in rural areas
Investor Backing
NIRAMAI has raised $7 million from firms like:
Pi Ventures
Ankur Capital
Beenext
Dream Incubator
Innovation Beyond Breast Cancer
2019: Used Thermalytix to study river blindness (backed by Gates Foundation)
2020: Adapted it into a fever scanner during the pandemic
2021: Launched X-RaySetu—an AI tool to detect COVID-19 from chest X-rays via WhatsApp
Beyond Tech: Author, Mentor, Advocate
Geetha co-authored Moving to the Cloud, and led the IEEE Computer Society (Bangalore Chapter), championing tech-led innovation and women in STEM.
Awards & Recognition
YearAwardOrganization1991Gold MedalComputer Society of India2009Top 50 IT InnovatorsNASSCOM2010Grand Challenges WinnerMIT Tech Review2018BIRAC WinER AwardBIRAC2020Top 20 Self-Made WomenForbes India2020Vahini Innovator of the YearEconomic Times2021Woman Entrepreneur of the YearBiospectrum India
She also holds 16 US patents—a mark of her inventive spirit.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Life-Saving Innovation
Geetha Manjunath’s journey is proof that technology, when guided by empathy, can drive meaningful change. Through NIRAMAI, she’s offering not just a product—but a promise of hope, dignity, and better health for women across the world.
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