Microsoft champions AI adoption in India through collaborations with 650 business partners
Microsoft, a technology giant with over 25 years of experience in artificial intelligence (AI), has announced a partnership with Forus Health, a Bengaluru-based technology company specializing in retinal imaging devices. This collaboration is one of several efforts by Microsoft to take AI solutions to the next level in India.
The partnership focuses on the healthcare sector, aiming to help reduce avoidable blindness, particularly in the context of diabetic retinopathy, one of the most common complications of diabetes, accounting for up to 10% of cases that experience loss of vision.
Microsoft is providing its cognitive services, IoT, AI, and machine learning platforms to Forus Health to integrate AI-based retinal imaging APIs into their 3Nethra devices. These devices, which can be operated by minimally trained technicians, are already deployed across over 20 countries and have so far touched more than two million patients.
The integration of AI into 3Nethra devices is designed to help Forus technicians identify eye fundus images and disease conditions better. This collaboration is not only about technological advancement but also about creating inclusive solutions to solve local societal and business problems.
Peggy Johnson, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Microsoft, stated that Microsoft is working to democratize AI and make it available to all. Anant Maheshwari, President of Microsoft India, echoed this sentiment, stating that the intersection of AI with people and society presents an opportunity to create a lasting, positive impact.
Microsoft is collaborating with 650 partners in India to promote the adoption of technologies like AI, blockchain, and deep learning. Over the last year, these partners have deployed AI solutions in various sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, and financial services.
This partnership is part of Microsoft's broader commitment to India. By leveraging AI capabilities for early detection of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, Microsoft and Forus Health aim to make a significant contribution to India's healthcare sector and the lives of millions of people.
