In a significant step towards integrating traditional Indian medicine with emerging technologies, the Ministry of AYUSH has launched a National Innovation Challenge to promote the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Ayurveda. The initiative aims to encourage innovators, researchers, students and technology enthusiasts to develop practical AI-driven solutions that can strengthen Ayurvedic research, knowledge management and healthcare applications.
The challenge, titled AyushTech Innovate: National Open Ayurveda AI Challenge, is being organised by the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, in collaboration with Techfest, IIT Bombay.
A major component of this initiative is the use of Ayur Param, an open-source Ayurveda Large Language Model developed by IIT Bombay. The platform is expected to encourage the development of reliable and context-specific AI applications based on Ayurvedic knowledge and principles.
The innovation challenge will explore several areas, including AI-assisted access to classical Ayurvedic texts, clinical knowledge management, research support, treatment decision-support systems and public health awareness. It seeks to bring together traditional medical knowledge and modern technological capabilities while maintaining safety, transparency and scientific responsibility.
The national grand finale is scheduled to take place at IIT Bombay from December 15 to 18, 2026, providing a platform for selected innovators to showcase their solutions and interact with experts from healthcare and technology sectors.
As part of the broader initiative, AIIA-iCAINE has also announced strategic collaborations with the World Ayurveda Foundation and Reliance Retail’s Pahadi Local. These partnerships are intended to support AI-based Ayurveda innovation, startup incubation, research activities and the development of commercially viable products inspired by traditional Ayurvedic knowledge.
An Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Facility for Ayurveda was also launched to help innovators safeguard their original ideas and support the growth of entrepreneurship in the sector.
The initiative builds on AIIA-iCAINE’s innovation ecosystem, which has supported 52 problem statements, mentored more than 100 startup ideas and provided seed funding of ₹3 lakh each to nine startups over six years.
The integration of AI into Ayurveda could open new avenues for preserving classical medical knowledge, improving access to authentic information and supporting evidence-based research. However, the responsible use of technology, appropriate clinical validation and protection of traditional knowledge will remain essential.
With this national innovation challenge, the Ministry of Ayush is encouraging a collaborative approach between traditional medicine practitioners, researchers and technology developers to explore how artificial intelligence can contribute to the future of Ayurveda.