By: Jason Chiang
Recognizing the need to enhance precision and efficiency in patient treatment, Sravan Kumar Maddela and Pavan Manthravadhi co-founded Scichip Robotics in 2022 to develop innovative artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions integrated with robotics.
The Hyderabad-based start-up’s flagship product is an AI-powered autonomous surgical robotic system designed to help laparoscopic and endoscopic surgeons manage surgical camera movements during procedures. It uses AI algorithms to improve the precision and effectiveness of surgical tasks, reduce procedure times, and minimize the risk of human error.
Scichip was part of the 18th cohort at the Nexus Startup Hub , a partnership between the U.S. Embassy New Delhi and the Alliance for Commercialization and Innovation Research (ACIR). Nexus connects start-ups, innovators and investors, offering access to networks, training, mentors and funding.
Excerpts from an interview with Maddela.
Why did you decide to target laparoscopic surgery?
My co-founder, Pavan, and I have extensive experience in the field of medical devices. Our research and work experience helped us gain insights into the challenges surgeons face during operations. The decision to target laparoscopic surgery was also influenced by the widespread use of this technique.
Better support for such surgeries can significantly benefit surgeons, assistants, hospitals and patients. Our aim is to allow laparoscopic surgeons to control cameras autonomously, thereby enhancing precision and decision-making capabilities during surgeries.
How did you become interested in the intersection of technology and health care? What would be your advice for people who are interested in these fields?
I am from a village in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh. As a child, I wanted to become a doctor, but it wasn’t possible due to my family’s financial situation. Despite this, I earned a master’s degree in electronics and redirected my career toward biomedical engineering to stay connected to the medical field. Currently, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in AI and medical devices, and I have worked with both start-ups and major corporations.
Early on, I noticed the need for affordable, advanced medical technologies globally. By using AI and robotics, I aim to create solutions that make medical treatments more accurate, streamlined and accessible to more people, ultimately improving patient care worldwide.
To succeed in the health care field, it is crucial to stay patient-focused. Building a diverse team by collaborating with professionals from various backgrounds enhances innovation and effectiveness. Additionally, understanding and complying with health care standards and regulations is vital for maintaining quality and safety.
As an entrepreneur in AI, what is the most promising change you’ve seen in this field as it gains more mainstream adoption?
The most promising change I’ve seen is the integration of AI-powered robotic systems that can analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, assist surgeons in complex procedures, and improve patient outcomes through minimally invasive techniques. The increased accuracy offered by AI-driven surgical robots has made surgeries safer and faster.
However, despite advancements, the high cost of AI-based surgical systems limits their accessibility, particularly in low-resource settings. Making these technologies more affordable and widely available remains a significant challenge.
Additionally, the regulatory landscape for AI in health care is still evolving. Ensuring compliance with regulations while maintaining ethical standards, particularly concerning patient data privacy and consent, is crucial for widespread adoption.
What were your main takeaways from the Nexus program? How did these experiences shape your journey as an entrepreneur in tech and health care?
The Nexus program significantly enhanced our understanding of entrepreneurship. The insights gained from one-on-one mentoring helped refine my strategic vision, enabling me to align Scichip’s technological innovations with real-world health care needs effectively. The connections made with potential collaborators and investors have facilitated partnerships that are crucial for advancing our projects and securing funding. The workshops on pitching and business strategy honed my ability to convincingly communicate our value proposition, attracting interest and support from stakeholders.
Focusing on customer-centric solutions during the training reinforced the need to prioritize end-user experiences in our development efforts, ensuring our technologies address real user issues and make a difference in health care.
Jason Chiang is a freelance writer based in Silver Lake, Los Angeles.
(This article is published as part of a special arrangement between Kashmir Images and SPAN Magazine, the publication of the U.S. Embassy in India (https://spanmag.state.gov/).
