Kerala-Based Startup Patents Revolutionary 90-Second Cancer Detection Device: A Breakthrough in Medical Technology
What if detecting cancer became as simple as breathing into a device? That’s exactly what Accubits Invent, a Kerala-based startup formally registered in 2020, has achieved with their revolutionary breath cancer detection technology. This revolutionary innovation promises to transform how we approach early disease detection worldwide.
Healthcare professionals have long struggled with complex, expensive, and time-consuming cancer screening methods. Now, a small team in Thiruvananthapuram has created something extraordinary – a device that can potentially save millions of lives through non-invasive, rapid testing. Their journey represents more than just technological advancement; it embodies hope for accessible healthcare solutions globally.
The Science Behind VolTrac: Revolutionary VOC Analysis Technology
VolTrac works similarly to a breathalyser — users simply blow into the handheld device, and within 1.5 minutes, it can screen for diseases. However, what makes this device truly remarkable is its underlying scientific foundation. The technology relies on detecting “unique VOC patterns that every disease produces even before symptoms appear”.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemical substances that naturally occur in our breath. “Human breath contains over 1,000 Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs. Science has shown that VOCs represent rich sources of biomarkers associated with metabolic processes and diseases in the body, each identified by a significant odor signature, including cancer”.
The Kerala startup medical device stands apart from competitors due to its unique operational advantages. The VolTrac sensor operates efficiently at room temperature, unlike other prototypes that require high heat — often mutating the volatile compounds and reducing accuracy. This technological edge ensures more reliable results while maintaining user-friendly operation.
From Plant Communication to Life-Saving Innovation
The fascinating origin story of this breath cancer detection technology began with agricultural research. When chemical engineer Nidhin Sreekumar, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, resigned from his teaching career to start a venture, his goal was simple — to develop sensor technology that could help plants communicate and grow better. But a casual suggestion from his wife, Dr Aswathy Udayan, a microbiologist, changed everything.
“What if this technology could detect diseases?” she asked. That question not only transformed their research direction but also brought her on board as a co-founder. Their interdisciplinary approach combined chemistry, biology, and engineering expertise to create something unprecedented.
Nidhin’s early research focused on how plants communicate using volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and soil microbes. “We realised that there were no VOC sensors available with minute sensitivity, and that’s when we saw the potential,” he explains. This realization became the foundation for their medical breakthrough.
Impressive Accuracy Rates and Market Potential
The new cancer screening technology demonstrates remarkable performance metrics that rival established diagnostic methods. VolTrac’s selectivity accuracy stands at 98.5%, and it’s expected to hit the market within the next two to three years, pending medical certifications and regulatory approvals.
Recent research supports the effectiveness of VOC-based cancer detection systems. “Meta-analysis showed that the VOC breath test demonstrated a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 81% in cancer diagnosis, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.93”. Additionally, “the pooled sensitivity, specificity and the area under the curve for cancer screening utilizing exhaled breath and urinary VOCs were determined to be 0.89, 0.88, and 0.95, respectively”.
The global market for breath analysis technology is expanding rapidly. “The size of the global breath analyzers market is predicted to be worth USD 1990.98 million by 2032 from USD 1085.27 million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 7.88% during the forecast period”. Furthermore, “the Global Breath Biopsy Testing Market size was USD 1.34 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.39 Billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 5.97% during the forecast period”.
Comprehensive Disease Detection Capabilities
This early cancer detection device extends beyond single-disease identification. Currently, VolTrac can identify multiple diseases, including tuberculosis, various cancers, and metabolic disorders. This versatility positions it as a comprehensive screening solution rather than a narrow diagnostic tool.
The 90-second cancer test advantage becomes particularly significant when compared to traditional methods. Conventional air sampling methods take up to 48 hours, while VolTrac provides instant results. “Detecting these compounds early can increase survival rates and reduce medical costs,” says Karthik, Head of Operations.
Global cancer statistics underscore the urgent need for such innovative solutions. “In 2022, an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and approximately 10 million cancer-related deaths were reported globally. Demographic projections forecast a 77% increase by 2050, with the annual incidence of cancer cases predicted to escalate to 35 million”.
Strategic Partnerships and Industry Collaboration
Accubits Invent has secured valuable partnerships to accelerate their technology’s commercial development. “Their flagship product VolTrac, a portable VOC-based diagnostic device, is currently being co-developed with CIPLA Ltd for early detection of pulmonary disorders”. This collaboration with a pharmaceutical giant demonstrates industry confidence in their technology.
The startup operates from strategic locations within Kerala’s growing biotechnology ecosystem. “Their startup, Accubits Invent Pvt Ltd, operates from the Bio360 Life Sciences Park in Thiruvananthapuram”. This location provides access to research facilities, regulatory support, and networking opportunities essential for medical device development.
“Accubits Invent has 1 institutional investor – Kerala Startup Mission”, indicating government support for their innovative healthcare solutions. The company is “a Startup India participant and has also been recognised by DPIIT, the government agency responsible for promoting and regulating India’s industrial and trade sectors”.
Patent Achievement and Technical Innovation
“The team’s major breakthrough came in 2024 when they obtained a patent for their sensor technology”. This intellectual property protection validates their unique approach and provides competitive advantages in the global market.
“Until then, it was purely research. Once we received the patent, we decided to bring it to the market,” says Nidhin. This transition from research to commercialization represents a critical milestone for Kerala startup medical device development.
Their interdisciplinary research approach sets them apart from traditional medical technology companies. “We focus on interdisciplinary research, primarily in the domains of Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Behavioral science, and Material sciences”. This broad expertise enables innovative solutions to complex healthcare challenges.
Additional Healthcare Applications Beyond Cancer
The breath cancer detection technology has spawned additional innovations addressing healthcare facility safety. “Another innovation from Accubits Invent is DeTecX, an air quality and hygiene monitoring device designed mainly for hospitals. It instantly detects airborne pathogens and infection risks within 15 seconds”.
“DeTecX continuously analyses the air every 30 minutes and uses a colour-coded alert — green for safe, yellow for caution, and red for high contamination”. This real-time monitoring capability addresses critical infection control needs in healthcare facilities worldwide.
The technology’s versatility extends beyond medical applications. “We even discovered applications beyond hospitals — like addressing the so-called ‘Monday sickness’ in corporate offices caused by poor indoor air quality after weekends”. This adaptability demonstrates the broad commercial potential of their VOC detection platform.
Market Adoption and Healthcare Professional Acceptance
Healthcare professionals increasingly recognize the advantages of non-invasive diagnostic methods. “Over 72% of healthcare professionals prefer non-invasive testing methods, and breath biopsy is gaining traction as a safer alternative”. This professional preference creates favorable conditions for market adoption.
Current market penetration data reveals growing acceptance across healthcare settings. “Over 65% of healthcare facilities are integrating breath analysis into early-stage cancer detection strategies. Additionally, more than 40% of clinical trials for gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases now involve breath biomarkers”.
“Nearly 42% of diagnostic labs globally use VOC analyzers for cancer screening, and over 38% of clinical trials incorporate VOC analysis for metabolic disorders”. These statistics indicate widespread industry acceptance of VOC-based diagnostic technologies.
Comparing Traditional vs. Breath-Based Screening Methods
Traditional cancer screening methods present significant barriers to widespread adoption. “These procedures are complicated, expensive, and time-consuming, thus making them difficult for the poor or low-income patient groups”. Breath analysis technology addresses these accessibility challenges directly.
The cost-effectiveness advantage of breath cancer detection becomes particularly compelling. “Compared to the gold-standard tools, breath testing is relatively inexpensive, and the method of analysis, storage, and transporting the samples is simplified”. This economic advantage could democratize cancer screening globally.
“Using exhaled breath instead of gold-standard cancer detection and screening tools that are traditionally invasive and uncomfortable for the patient could be revolutionary in improving patient compliance”. Improved patient compliance directly translates to earlier detection and better treatment outcomes.
Research Validation and Clinical Studies
Extensive research validates the effectiveness of breath-based cancer detection approaches. “A total of 114 articles were included, covering 125 non-duplicate studies involving 8768 cancer patients” in recent meta-analysis research. This substantial body of evidence supports the technology’s clinical validity.
“Several studies have demonstrated the accuracy of VOC analysis in detecting various types of cancer, including breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, gastric cancer, and melanoma”. This broad applicability suggests significant market potential across multiple oncology specialties.
“These suggest that breath analysis for VOCs has excellent diagnostic accuracy for cancer. The breath test based on VOCs, as a non-invasive detection method, shows great potential for cancer diagnosis”. Such research conclusions provide strong scientific foundation for commercial development.
Future Market Outlook and Healthcare Impact
The breath cancer detection market outlook appears exceptionally promising based on current trends. “In the United States, 68% of leading hospitals integrate breathomics into their early-stage cancer screening programs. Over 62% of US-based diagnostics labs have adopted breath biopsy for rapid, non-invasive detection”.
“The demand for early detection of metabolic and infectious diseases has led to a 55% increase in breath analysis research collaborations across academic and clinical institutions. Moreover, 70% of biotech companies focused on diagnostics are actively exploring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for real-time disease monitoring”.
The technology’s humanitarian impact could be transformational. “Our vision is to make this technology useful for humanity,” says Karthik. This mission-driven approach positions Accubits Invent as a socially responsible healthcare innovator.
Conclusion: A New Era in Medical Diagnostics
Kerala’s Accubits Invent has achieved something remarkable – transforming breath cancer detection from science fiction to clinical reality. Their VolTrac device represents more than technological innovation; it embodies hope for millions facing cancer worldwide. With its 90-second testing capability, 98.5% accuracy rate, and room-temperature operation, this new cancer screening technology could revolutionize early detection globally.
The journey from plant communication research to life-saving medical devices demonstrates how interdisciplinary thinking creates breakthrough solutions. As this early cancer detection device moves toward market launch within the next three years, it promises to make quality healthcare more accessible, affordable, and effective for people everywhere.
The future of cancer screening is literally in our breath, and Kerala’s innovative startup is leading the way forward. Their success could inspire similar innovations worldwide, ultimately creating a future where cancer detection becomes as routine and non-invasive as taking a deep breath.
FAQs:
Q: How accurate is the Kerala startup’s breath cancer detection device?
A: VolTrac demonstrates 98.5% selectivity accuracy and can screen for diseases within 90 seconds through volatile organic compound analysis.
Q: When will VolTrac breath cancer detection technology be available?
A: The device is expected to hit the market within 2-3 years, pending medical certifications and regulatory approvals from relevant authorities.
Q: What diseases can the Kerala startup medical device detect?
A: VolTrac can identify multiple diseases including tuberculosis, various cancers, and metabolic disorders through breath analysis technology.
Q: How does breath cancer detection work scientifically?
A: The technology analyzes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath, as every disease produces unique VOC patterns before symptoms appear.
Q: What makes VolTrac different from other cancer screening methods?
A: Unlike traditional methods, this new cancer screening technology operates at room temperature, provides results in 90 seconds, and is completely non-invasive.
Q: Who developed this revolutionary 90-second cancer test?
A: Chemical engineer Nidhin Sreekumar and microbiologist Dr. Aswathy Udayan co-founded Accubits Invent at Bio360 Life Sciences Park in Thiruvananthapuram.
Q: How large is the early cancer detection device market globally?
A: The global breath analyzers market is predicted to reach USD 1990.98 million by 2032, growing at 7.88% CAGR from 2024 levels.
