NIT Jamshedpur's Nidan Project: ICMR-Sponsored AI Prototype for Early Kidney Disease Detection

The news

The National Institute of Technology Jamshedpur has launched the second phase of the Nidan research project, an artificial intelligence-based prototype for early detection of kidney diseases. Sponsored by the Indian Council of Medical Research, the project is being developed at the Department of Mechanical Engineering and aims to make affordable testing accessible in rural and resource-poor areas where advanced medical equipment and specialist nephrologists are often unavailable.

The prototype combines AI and data analytics with bioassay development, image analysis, rapid prototyping and customised instrumentation. Microfluidic devices are expected to support early testing using patients' physical samples. Researchers are conducting experimental tests and working to align the prototype with clinical standards; it is not yet an established diagnostic service. Associate Professor Pranab Kumar Kundu is the principal investigator. The department has invited applications for one temporary, non-medical project research scientist position with a monthly stipend of ₹56,000 plus applicable house rent allowance, with applications due before 23 November 2026.

What is the Indian Council of Medical Research and when was it founded?

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research. It was established in 1911 as the Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA) and was renamed ICMR in 1949. The ICMR is funded by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Its governing body is presided over by the Union Health Minister. The council operates through a network of permanent institutes, regional medical research centres and a large number of extramural research projects across the country.

What is the Nidan project and who is behind it?

Nidan is a research project at the National Institute of Technology Jamshedpur, sponsored by the Indian Council of Medical Research. Its second phase, started in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, focuses on developing an AI-based prototype for early detection of kidney diseases. The project addresses the challenge that kidney diseases often go undetected in rural and remote areas due to lack of advanced equipment and nephrologists.

How will the prototype work and what are its limits?

The proposed prototype uses artificial intelligence, data analytics, image analysis and microfluidic devices combined with bioassay development and customised instrumentation. If successfully developed and validated, it could support faster and more affordable testing at low-resource health centres. However, the prototype is still under experimental testing and clinical validation; its diagnostic reliability and usability in low-resource settings remain to be assessed before it can be considered for wider use.