Campaign Story

🧬 The Problem

India accounts for nearly one-third of global oral cancer cases, with over 70% diagnosed in advanced, incurable stages. Early detection dramatically improves survival, yet rural populations lack access to expensive biopsy-based diagnostics, dental screenings, or hospital-grade imaging. The need is for a fast, affordable, and non-invasive solution that can detect malignancy at the molecular level—right where patients live.

💡 The Solution – OncoALERT

OncoALERT introduces a needle-free, saliva-based diagnostic strip that detects oral cancer biomarkers within minutes. Using microfluidic paper channels and gold nanoparticle-based molecular binding, the test identifies trace biomarker proteins released by pre-cancerous or cancerous oral cells. The user simply places a small saliva sample on the strip; the reaction creates a visible color change, similar to an at-home pregnancy or COVID test.

Unlike existing lab kits that need refrigeration and electricity, OncoALERT is fully biodegradable, portable, and self-contained—making it suitable for rural camps, mobile health vans, and telemedicine networks. Its simplicity allows even ASHA workers or community volunteers to perform tests and relay results through a connected mobile app.

⚙️ The Technology

• Type: Paper-based microfluidic biosensor

• Detection: Gold nanoparticle + antibody-antigen reaction specific to oral cancer biomarkers

• Sample Type: Saliva (non-invasive)

• Readout Time: ~5 minutes

• Power Requirement: None

• Waste Profile: 100% biodegradable and plastic-free

The integrated OncoAI platform under development will collect anonymized results from multiple geographies to improve model accuracy and help create a predictive oral cancer risk map for India and other developing regions.

🧠 Founders and Team

OncoALERT is led by Dr. Jayanti Kumari, a biomedical scientist and entrepreneur associated with the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) under India’s Department of Biotechnology. She is also a School of International Biodesign Fellow, which focuses on commercializing socially impactful healthcare innovations.

The interdisciplinary team includes researchers specializing in nanotechnology, molecular biology, and clinical oncology, working toward transitioning the device from lab validation to regulatory approval and manufacturing scale-up.

🌍 Current Stage and Recognition

• TRL (Technology Readiness Level): 6 – successful lab prototype with field-ready validation underway.

• Recognition:

  • James Dyson Award 2025 Global Top 20 Finalist

  • Featured in multiple global innovation showcases as a sustainable diagnostic solution.

• Affiliations: Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad.

📈 Impact Potential

OncoALERT can transform community screening in developing countries. By replacing invasive, expensive methods with a ₹200 saliva test, it could allow millions to screen annually—detecting oral cancer at Stage I instead of Stage IV. The technology’s scalability, affordability, and sustainability directly align with UN SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).