In a remarkable fusion of chemistry and biology, Kerala-born chemical engineer Dr. Sanjay Menon and microbiologist Dr. Anjali Menon have launched AccuBits Invent, a pioneering startup that promises to revolutionize cancer screening through a simple breath test. Tapping into decades of research on volatile organic compounds, the couple’s device analyzes trace biomarkers in exhaled air to flag early-stage lung, breast, and colorectal cancers—often before symptoms emerge.
Their journey began when Sanjay, whose family has battled cancer, collaborated with Anjali in her Chennai lab to explore noninvasive diagnostics. Traditional screening methods like biopsies and imaging can be costly, invasive, and inaccessible for rural populations. Determined to bridge this gap, the duo engineered a handheld gadget equipped with an AI-driven sensor array that detects minute concentrations of cancer-specific compounds. Within two minutes, the device displays a risk score on a companion app, enabling primary-care physicians to recommend follow-up tests swiftly.
AccuBits Invent’s pilot studies across five Kerala districts have been encouraging. In a cohort of 1,200 volunteers, the breath test achieved over 85 percent accuracy in identifying early lung cancers and 80 percent for breast cancer—metrics comparable to gold-standard imaging in controlled trials. Equally impressive is patient acceptance: over 92 percent of participants preferred the noninvasive breath test to conventional screenings, citing comfort and speed.
Beyond the device itself, the Menons are committed to community outreach. Partnering with local health workers and NGOs, they’ve organized over 150 “Breath Check” camps in rural panchayats, offering free screenings and health education. This grassroots approach not only raises awareness but also builds trust, ensuring that positive detections translate into timely hospital referrals.
Funding has followed promise. AccuBits Invent secured ₹3 crore in seed investment from Kerala’s State Innovation Fund and angel backing from leading healthtech investors in Bengaluru. The startup is now finalizing regulatory approvals from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization, aiming for a commercial rollout in early 2026. Plans include scaling manufacturing in Kochi and integrating the test with telemedicine platforms to reach remote hamlets across India.
While challenges remain—such as calibrating sensors for diverse environmental conditions and validating performance across larger populations—the Menons’ science-driven ethos and personal stake in the mission fuel relentless innovation. Their vision extends beyond diagnostics: they are exploring breath-based monitoring for diabetes and kidney disease, heralding a new era of low-cost, noninvasive health assessment.
By harnessing Kerala’s rich scientific talent and rural healthcare networks, AccuBits Invent exemplifies frugal innovation with high impact. As the world grapples with rising cancer rates and strained medical infrastructure, this husband-and-wife team’s breathalyzer for cancer could become a game-changer—catching disease early, saving lives, and democratising access to critical diagnostics in India and beyond.
