Automated Malnutrition Detection Project at IIITH’s Raj Reddy Center for Technology and Society Secures Funding from Centific for AI Initiative

• IIITH’s Raj Reddy Center for Technology and Society receives funding from Centific for AI project on Automated Malnutrition Detection
• Funding of Rs 18 lakhs received from Centific to propel first phase of project, including platform development, pilot deployment, data collection, performance optimization, and prototype delivery within six months
• Collaboration with i-Saksham NGO in Bihar aims to streamline growth monitoring and enhance data accuracy for combating malnutrition
• Project seeks to automate data collection process to minimize errors in recording height and weight measurements
• Centific’s Chief Strategy Officer highlights the importance of leveraging AI for social good and expresses commitment to supporting IIITH in addressing malnutrition crisis

Introducing IIITH’s Raj Reddy Center for Technology and Society

The Raj Reddy Center for Technology and Society (RCTS) at the International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIITH) has recently garnered attention for its groundbreaking project on Automated Malnutrition Detection. This initiative has received a substantial funding boost from Centific, a move that is set to revolutionize the fight against malnutrition in India.

Centific’s Support for AI Project on Automated Malnutrition Detection

Centific’s financial backing of approximately Rs 18 lakhs will drive the first phase of the project, which includes the development of a platform for an AI-powered malnutrition detection system. This platform aims to streamline growth monitoring processes, enhance data accuracy, and provide reliable information to government agencies for effective interventions against malnutrition.

The current manual workflows for obtaining and recording height and weight measurements have been prone to errors, with frontline staff like anganwadi workers sometimes resorting to guesswork due to unreliable measurement tools. This has resulted in a lack of accurate data for targeted interventions. The project’s goal is to minimize these errors by automating the process of recording height and weight information, thus ensuring data accuracy and reliability.

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Speaking on the grant, Prof. Ramesh Loganathan, a Professor of Practice at IIIT Hyderabad, expressed gratitude for Centific’s support. He highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to assist NGOs in their endeavors. Dr. Dinesh Chandrasekar, Chief Strategy Officer at Centific, emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging AI for social good. He underscored the significance of automating the malnutrition detection process to enable timely interventions and potentially save lives.

Collaboration with i-Saksham for Enhanced Data Accuracy

In a strategic move, IIIT Hyderabad has partnered with i-Saksham, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women and enhancing educational opportunities in Bihar. This collaboration aligns with the New Education Policy’s focus on foundational learning outcomes and aims to enhance data accuracy for improved growth monitoring.

The project’s focus on developing a CV-based solution to automate the process of recording height and weight information aligns with the organization’s goal of minimizing data-entry errors and ensuring reliable data for government agencies. By integrating advanced technology with social initiatives, IIITH and Centific are paving the way for a more efficient and effective approach to combating malnutrition.

Potential Impact of Automated Malnutrition Detection

Automating the malnutrition detection process has the potential to revolutionize the way society addresses this silent crisis. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and compassionate action, the project aims to facilitate targeted interventions that can significantly impact the lives of vulnerable populations. The intersection of AI and social good holds the promise of a healthier future for all, with the potential to save countless lives through timely and accurate interventions.

The collaboration between IIITH’s RCTS and Centific for the AI project on Automated Malnutrition Detection marks a significant step towards leveraging technology for social impact. By addressing the critical issue of malnutrition through innovative solutions, the project sets a precedent for using AI to drive positive change in society. The support and expertise provided by Centific, combined with the academic rigor of IIIT Hyderabad, promise a bright future in the fight against malnutrition.