“We have an extraordinary success rate, and we believe we can improve on that further,” Ajaikumar said while speaking on the sidelines of the Global Healthcare Academy’s AI Conclave in Bengaluru.
The company is analysing clinical, genomic and proteomic data to classify cancer patients into treatment “buckets” based on how they respond to therapies, with the aim of helping clinicians make more informed treatment decisions.
“We are trying to understand which treatment a patient should get based on genomics and proteomics, why some patients respond well and why others do not,” Ajaikumar said. “By creating these buckets, when the next patient walks in, we can choose the right treatment.”
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According to Ajaikumar, HCG’s large patient database provides a foundation for developing AI models that can identify patterns in treatment response and improve precision oncology. The company’s AI-led research is currently focused on head and neck cancers and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, supported by its expanding laboratory capabilities.
The initiative builds on HCG’s broader AI strategy. In late 2024, the company partnered with Accenture to strengthen its AI-enabled cancer research capabilities. As part of the collaboration, HCG is deploying image analysis software, informatics platforms and AI algorithms to analyse cancer patient data and molecular alterations, with the objective of improving diagnosis, treatment planning and overall patient care.The AI push also comes after a significant ownership change at the company. In February 2025, private equity firm KKR acquired a 54% stake in HCG, taking control of the oncology hospital chain. Ajaikumar, who founded HCG and led it for more than two decades, continues as the company’s non-executive chairman.
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Ajaikumar was speaking at the Global Healthcare Academy’s two-day conclave on artificial intelligence in healthcare, themed “Building Future-Ready Health Ecosystems.” The event brought together clinicians, AI scientists, hospital leaders, policymakers, researchers, startups and technology experts to discuss the adoption of AI across healthcare while ensuring patient safety, ethics and clinical oversight.
The conclave saw participation from companies including Google, Philips, Roche, Siemens Healthineers, IBM, Tech Mahindra, EY-Parthenon, United Imaging, Intuitive and Roche Diagnostics.
Speakers at the event said India’s large healthcare system, rapidly expanding digital health infrastructure and strong clinical talent position the country to develop affordable, scalable and globally relevant AI-powered healthcare solutions.
“Artificial Intelligence has the power to transform healthcare by making it more precise, accessible and efficient, but its true value lies in how meaningfully it strengthens clinical decision-making and patient care,” said Ajaikumar, who is also executive chairman of the Global Healthcare Academy.