AI for Health
The Full Story
Dr Ajay Bakshi
Dr. Ajay Bakshi is the co-founder and CEO of NeuranceAI, a deep technology company that builds intelligent machines inspired by the human brain to solve critical healthcare problems globally. With over 15 years of experience as a neurosurgeon, a neuroscientist, and a healthcare leader, he brings a unique combination of clinical, scientific, and business expertise to his venture.
Dr. Bakshi's mission is to leverage the power of AI and neuroscience to enhance healthcare delivery across diverse populations and settings. He has led three large Indian hospital networks as CEO, including Max, Manipal, and IHH-India, where he drove growth, quality, and innovation. He also volunteers at iSPIRT, a not-for-profit tech think-tank that supports the Indian software product ecosystem. He holds a Management Certificate from Wharton and a Neurosurgery specialization from AIIMS. He is a prolific speaker and writer on AI, healthcare, neuroscience, and intelligent machines, sharing his insights and vision with the global health community.
My Professional Journey
My career has been driven by a deep commitment to improving healthcare through the unique integration of clinical expertise, scientific inquiry, executive leadership, and technological innovation. My journey began at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where I completed my MBBS (1986-1991) and specialized with an M.Ch. in Neurosurgery (1992-1996). For four years (Mar 1998 - Mar 2002), I served as a busy Consultant Neurosurgeon at VIMHANS, performing numerous major procedures weekly with a special interest in spinal surgery and minimally invasive techniques.
Seeking to deepen the scientific underpinnings of my work, I pursued neuroscience research, serving as a Research Instructor in the Dept. of Neurobiology & Anatomy at Drexel University College of Medicine (Mar 2003 - Feb 2006). My research focused on stem cell transplantation for spinal cord injuries and biomaterial implants for neurological disorders, receiving funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Bridging science and strategy, I earned a Certificate in Management from The Wharton School (2002-2004) and joined McKinsey & Company as a strategy consultant (Mar 2005 - Oct 2011). Here, I advised diverse organizations, honing my skills in addressing complex strategic and operational challenges.
This unique combination of clinical depth and strategic acumen prepared me to lead three major Indian hospital networks as CEO: Max Healthcare (Nov 2011 - Apr 2014), Manipal Hospitals (as MD & CEO, Jun 2014 - Nov 2017), and Parkway Pantai Limited (IHH-India) (CEO, Apr 2018 - May 2019). In these roles, I focused on driving growth, enhancing quality, and fostering innovation within large, complex healthcare delivery systems.
Recognizing the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence informed by neuroscience, I co-founded BuddhiMed Technologies (CEO, Jun 2019 - Jun 2021), developing machine learning tools for healthcare decision support. This journey continues as Co-Founder & CEO of NeuranceAI (Aug 2021 - Present), a deep technology company building intelligent machines inspired by the human brain to solve critical healthcare problems globally.
My work extends to advisory roles, including for the National Health Authority (NHA) (2021-2022) and GenomSys (2020-2021), and contributing to the tech ecosystem through volunteering at iSPIRT. I also currently serve as a Board Member for Livasa Hospitals (Dec 2024 - Present). I also serve as an Industry Advisor to EQT, a global private equity firm managing over €250 billion in assets across sectors like healthcare, technology, and infrastructure.
With over 35 years spanning neurosurgery, neuroscience research, global consulting, hospital leadership, and AI entrepreneurship, I bring a rare synthesis of perspectives to bear on the challenges and opportunities in healthcare today.
My Approach
My mission is to leverage the power of AI and neuroscience to enhance healthcare delivery across diverse populations and settings. My approach is deeply informed by the multifaceted journey I've taken – from the operating room and research lab to the boardroom and the helm of an AI startup.
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Inspired by Biology, Driven by Impact: At NeuranceAI, we aim to build intelligent machines inspired by the human brain. This reflects my core belief that the most powerful technological solutions often draw inspiration from biological systems. However, innovation must be purpose-driven. My focus is always on developing and applying AI to solve critical healthcare problems – improving diagnostics, optimizing treatments, streamlining operations, and ultimately enhancing patient lives and clinician experiences.
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Strategic & Practical Implementation: Having led complex hospital systems, I understand that AI adoption requires more than just sophisticated algorithms. It demands a pragmatic approach focused on seamless integration into clinical workflows, demonstrable ROI, and clear strategic alignment with organizational goals. I help leaders translate AI's potential into tangible, valuable applications within the realities of healthcare operations.
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Ethical Foundation: The advancement of AI in healthcare carries profound ethical responsibilities. Building trust is paramount. My approach emphasizes establishing robust governance frameworks, ensuring data privacy and security, addressing potential biases, and promoting transparency and accountability in AI systems. Responsible innovation is not optional; it's essential.
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Synthesizing Diverse Expertise: True progress lies at the intersection of disciplines. I strive to bridge the gaps between clinical insights, executive decision-making, and technological capabilities. By integrating perspectives from neuroscience, medicine, management, and AI, I aim to provide holistic guidance that navigates complexity and unlocks the full strategic value of AI in healthcare.
As a prolific speaker and writer, I am passionate about sharing these insights and fostering dialogue within the global health community to collectively shape a future where technology empowers better health for all.
