Tathagato Rai Dastidar Revolutionizing Healthcare Diagnostics with AI

In the realm of healthcare, where every second counts, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in a new era of efficiency and precision. At the forefront of this transformation stands Tathagato Rai Dastidar, the visionary founder of SigTuple. His journey from a chance discovery to the commercialization of AI-driven diagnostics is a testament to the power of innovation in healthcare. Around 2015, Dastidar, with no prior background in healthcare, found himself captivated by the field. While researching, he stumbled upon a critical issue plaguing pathology labs worldwide – the lack of an affordable and accurate device for analyzing blood samples from diseased patients. Recognizing the potential for AI to revolutionize this process, he embarked on a mission to address this pressing challenge.

After six years of intensive research and development, SigTuple marked its foray into commercialization in 2021. The company’s primary goal was to automate the analysis of blood samples, a task traditionally performed manually by pathologists under microscopes. Manual analysis, despite the expertise of pathologists, remained susceptible to errors, prompting SigTuple to harness the power of AI.

SigTuple’s solution, known as AI100, comprises two essential components:

• Automated Digital Microscope: This hardware component converts physical blood samples into high-resolution digital images, eliminating the need for manual slide preparation.
• AI-Driven Software: The software analyzes these digital scans using AI algorithms and presents the results to pathologists through a web browser interface.

By seamlessly integrating hardware and software, SigTuple offers a holistic solution that significantly reduces the likelihood of errors and accelerates the diagnostic process. The software can analyze over 95 percent of the sample, leaving the pathologist to verify, review, and sign off, drastically reducing turnaround times.

Driving Innovation with In-House Expertise:

One of SigTuple’s key strengths lies in its in-house development of both hardware and software components. This approach allows the company to maintain control over quality, innovation, and customization. As of now, SigTuple boasts 21 granted patents for its technology, including six in the United States and the remainder in India. The startup’s commitment to democratizing diagnostics is underscored by its affordability. SigTuple aims to make its technology accessible to a broader range of labs and hospitals by offering competitive pricing compared to existing solutions. This accessibility has the potential to revolutionize healthcare diagnostics, particularly in regions with limited access to advanced medical facilities.

SigTuple’s impact on healthcare diagnostics is already evident through its collaborations with leading healthcare institutions. Clients like HCG Hospitals, Krsnaa Diagnostics, and Thyrocare have embraced SigTuple’s AI100 technology. Notably, Krsnaa Diagnostics has deployed AI100 across multiple labs, facilitating faster approvals of reports through an AI-powered telepathology platform. SigTuple’s technology outshines competitors in terms of throughput, capable of processing up to 25 blood samples and 50 urine samples per hour. In FY23, the company reported a turnover of Rs 10 crore, with ambitious plans to double this figure in the coming year.

The startup’s journey has been fueled by substantial investments, totaling $44 million, from prominent investors such as Accel Partners, Chiratae Ventures, Endiya Partners, and pi Ventures. These investments underscore the growing confidence in the potential of AI-driven diagnostics. While SigTuple initially focused on the Indian market, it has secured clearances to sell its technology in Europe, Africa, and most of Asia. The company is currently in the process of onboarding distribution channel partners, with a strategic focus on Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. Future plans include expanding into Europe and North America.

Dastidar envisions a future where SigTuple’s innovations reach even larger healthcare facilities. The company is actively developing a device that can replace traditional microscopes, catering to the needs of larger laboratories. Additionally, SigTuple aims to create a device that enables blood analysis at doctors’ chambers or public healthcare centers, simplifying diagnostics akin to checking blood sugar levels with a glucometer. In essence, Tathagato Rai Dastidar‘s vision for SigTuple transcends boundaries. His mission is to decentralize diagnostics, making advanced healthcare accessible to all, regardless of location or resources. With the power of AI and unwavering determination, SigTuple is poised to reshape the future of healthcare diagnostics on a global scale.