Campus Times | Lucknow

In a major boost to the regional startup ecosystem, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) has onboarded 16 innovative startups at its Kalam Incubation Centre. Under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. J.P. Pandey, these ventures aim to disrupt diverse sectors ranging from advanced medical diagnostics to AI-driven financial solutions.

Revolutionising Healthcare with AI

The standout innovation among the selected startups is OncoContis, a cutting-edge diagnostic device developed by Anvid Research and Development Pvt. Ltd.. Founded by Dr. Pawan Kumar Rai and Aman Arif, the startup is addressing one of the biggest challenges in cancer care—delayed diagnosis.

The AI-powered handheld device uses a 360-degree high-definition camera along with breath-analysis technology to scan the oral cavity. Unlike conventional biopsy procedures that can take days, OncoContis delivers primary screening results within minutes, enabling faster medical intervention.

The company is also working on another innovative solution, Prana Expert, which is being designed to detect diseases such as tuberculosis, kidney disorders, and liver conditions through breath-based bacterial analysis.

Nurturing Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The 16 startups were selected through a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process. Prof. Rajeev Kumar, Director of the Kalam Incubation Centre, along with Dr. Anuj Kumar Sharma, will mentor the selected ventures and provide strategic guidance.

According to Mahip Singh, CEO of the Innovation Hub, the startups will receive comprehensive support, including:

Access to government grants and venture funding opportunities

Dedicated workspace and personalised mentorship from industry experts

Opportunities to showcase innovations at international trade fairs

AI-Powered Financial Guidance

Among the selected startups is TradeVerse, founded by Ayush Singh and Shivam Paswan. Currently in the pilot phase, the startup is developing an AI-based trading mentor designed to assist retail investors with data-driven insights. The platform aims to minimise financial risks and help individuals make informed investment decisions.

Positioning Lucknow as a Startup Hub

With this latest cohort, AKTU’s Innovation Hub is strengthening its position as a key driver of deep-tech innovation. By supporting startups that solve real-world problems, the university is playing a crucial role in transforming Lucknow into a growing hub for technology and entrepreneurship.