University of Toronto, IISc to Launch AI-Powered Health Research Centre

Mumbai: The University of Toronto (U of T) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) are partnering to establish a new centre of excellence focused on artificial intelligence-driven predictive health-care systems, marking a significant step in strengthening academic collaboration between Canada and India.

The initiative aims to develop AI-powered tools for early disease diagnosis, expanded access to health care and global training of future AI and health-care leaders.

The partnership was announced in Mumbai by U of T President Melanie Woodin at an event attended by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, and India’s Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary.

The event, held at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, brought together government officials, academic leaders and entrepreneurs for a showcase of innovations supported by the U of T India Foundation.

Founded in 2023 with support from Tata Trusts, the foundation operates with a six-member team in Mumbai that connects University of Toronto researchers—particularly from its School of Cities—with Indian partners working on solutions to urban sustainability challenges.

Woodin said the foundation’s work reflects the growing alignment between Canada and India’s economic, talent and innovation priorities.

“The University of Toronto is proud to contribute to the economic and talent priorities of our two countries, building on our deeply valued partnerships across India,” Woodin said.

“By bringing together the perspectives and skills of students, researchers, health-care experts and entrepreneurs in Canada and India, we can advance solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time.”

The event follows the Canada-India Joint Statement issued in October 2025 by India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, which called for strengthening economic and strategic ties between the two countries.

India remains a key partner for the University of Toronto, with more than 1,800 Indian students currently enrolled across undergraduate and graduate programs, making India the second-largest source of international students at the university.

Since 2020, the university has awarded $63 million in merit-based scholarships to 707 undergraduate students from India. An additional 274 scholarships worth approximately $25 million are being offered in the current admissions cycle.

At the Mumbai showcase, five startups supported by the U of T India Foundation demonstrated their innovations to visiting leaders and policymakers.

Among them was Civilytix, co-founded by students at Vellore Institute of Technology, which develops solar-powered AI-enabled greywater recycling systems designed to reduce freshwater consumption.

Another startup, Trinano, incubated at IIT Bombay, showcased nano-coating technology for solar panels aimed at improving durability and energy efficiency.

Anjana Dattani, assistant professor at the Rotman School of Management, said India has become a hub for emerging climate and sustainability innovations.

“The U of T India Foundation is playing a significant role in helping founders translate ideas in clean energy, water and the circular economy into viable enterprises,” Dattani said.

Beyond entrepreneurship, the University of Toronto has ongoing collaborative research projects in India focused on sustainable urban development, partnering with universities, municipalities and research organisations.

The university also maintains academic collaborations with Ashoka University, IIT Bombay and IIT Madras, including a recent conference in Chennai organised by the School of Cities on urban food, water and waste systems.

Corporate partnerships include joint projects with Tata Sons on vehicular electrification and carbon capture, and with Tata Consultancy Services on urban data and smart home-care research.

Woodin said the event underscored the strength of U of T’s engagement with India.

“We’re excited to deepen research collaborations, expand mobility for students and faculty, and support innovation that delivers meaningful impact for communities in both countries,” she said.