Bengaluru-based Artelus India wins Qualcomm Design in India Challenge 2018

Bengaluru-based medtech firm Artelus India Pvt Ltd took home $100,000 after winning chipset maker Qualcomm's challenge for start-ups in India, the company said on Wednesday.

Artelus India focuses on leveraging cutting edge technologies like deep learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to increase the capacity of healthcare providers.

It has developed Diabetic Retinopathy Intelligent Screening System Integrated (DRISTi) -- a deep learning based AI algorithm that reads digital images to detect and identify early signs of diabetic retinopathy that could lead to permanent blindness.

Biometric device maker Mobiusworks Pvt Ltd and medtech firm Chingroo Labs Pvt Ltd -- both based in Bengaluru -- secured first and second runners-up spot, respectively, in the competition called Qualcomm Design in India Challenge 2018.

Mobiusworks developed Wagr, a smart wearable and a mobile app that helps keep your dog safe and fit.

Chigroo Labs Private Limited developed Cradlewise, which is a smart-cradle for baby sleep management and health monitoring.

The first and second runners-up received $75,000 and $50,000, respectively, Qualcomm said.

Launched in 2016, the Qualcomm Design in India Challenge is an incubation programme that encourages start-ups to develop innovative hardware products using Qualcomm's advanced technologies. It has been inspired by the tremendous potential of Smart Devices and products that can be built in the domains of Smart Infrastructure, Biometric Devices, Payment Terminals, Agricultural Technology, Medical Technology and Rural IoT.

With the 2018 edition coming to an end, the programme has supported 39 start-ups with an overall investment of over $12.3 million, the company said.

Currently, The Qualcomm Design in India Challenge 2019 is underway with applications open until April 21. Upto 15 startups will be shortlisted, which will be announced in May 2019 and each startup will be awarded with a prize money of $10,000 each. Post shortlisting, they will be incubated at the Qualcomm Innovation Lab and the winners will be announced in March 2020.