Bengaluru-based startup VoxelGrids, supported by Zoho Corporation and backed by the Government of India, has reached a landmark achievement by developing and deploying the country’s first fully indigenous 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner.

This development marks a crucial step in strengthening India’s medical technology ecosystem and reducing the nation’s long-standing dependence on imported diagnostic equipment. The achievement was reported by The Hindu BusinessLine and has drawn attention across the healthcare and technology sectors.

The advanced MRI scanner was officially unveiled on December 25, 2025. Its development is the outcome of a sustained 12-year effort led by VoxelGrids founder Arjun Arunachalam, who set out with a clear objective: to create a high-quality MRI system designed and built entirely in India. Until now, most MRI machines used across the country have been sourced from global manufacturers such as Siemens and GE Healthcare. By building an indigenous alternative, VoxelGrids aims to give Indian hospitals greater control over costs, maintenance, and long-term availability of critical diagnostic tools.

The scanner has been installed at the Chandrapur Cancer Care Foundation near Nagpur, where it is currently operational and being used for patient diagnostics. This installation represents a significant moment, as it is one of the first times a fully Indian-built MRI scanner has been placed into real clinical use. For patients and doctors at the facility, the machine brings access to advanced imaging technology without relying on imported systems.

A key feature of the MRI scanner developed by VoxelGrids is its helium-free “dry magnet” design. Conventional MRI machines depend on liquid helium for cooling, which adds high costs and logistical challenges. By eliminating the need for liquid helium, VoxelGrids has been able to reduce manufacturing costs by approximately 40 percent. The system is also more energy-efficient, consumes less power, and is far lighter than traditional MRI machines. While conventional scanners often weigh around six tonnes, the VoxelGrids model weighs only about two to three tonnes. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller hospitals and opens up possibilities for mobile deployments, especially in rural and underserved areas.

According to VoxelGrids, the scanner is designed to handle electrical disruptions more effectively, an important consideration in regions where power supply can be inconsistent. The company has also introduced a flexible pay-per-use model, which helps healthcare providers avoid high upfront costs. This approach makes it easier for smaller hospitals and diagnostic centers to adopt MRI technology without the financial burden usually associated with such advanced equipment.

Market research highlights the scale of the challenge VoxelGrids is addressing. India currently has only around 5,000 MRI scanners, which translates to roughly 3.5 machines per million people. This limited availability restricts access to timely and accurate diagnostics for a large segment of the population. VoxelGrids aims to expand the reach of MRI technology across the country so that more patients can benefit, and so that smaller hospitals can afford to offer advanced imaging services.

The development of this indigenous MRI scanner also aligns closely with the broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision of building self-reliance in critical technologies. VoxelGrids developed the scanner under the National Biopharma Mission, with substantial support from the Government of India. In a 2023 press release, the government stated that out of the total Rs 17 crore spent on developing the scanner, Rs 12 crore was provided by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council under the Department of Biotechnology. This public funding support reflects a strong collaboration between the government and private innovation to strengthen India’s healthcare infrastructure.