IIT Madras partners with Hyundai Motor India to revolutionise paediatric cancer care

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) is partnering with Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), to launch 'Hyundai Hope for Cancer' - a pioneering initiative dedicated to transforming paediatric cancer care in India.

As part of its multi-year commitment towards this cause, HMIF has allocated a social impact investment of Rs 56 crore towards this landmark project. HMIL is the Indian arm of the South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor. This initiative aligns with Hyundai's global 'Hope on Wheels' programme, reinforcing its longstanding commitment to supporting children battling cancer worldwide.

At the heart of this initiative is the Hyundai Centre for Cancer Genomics, housed at IIT Madras. It will also serve as a collaborative hub for clinicians, researchers, pharmaceutical scientists, and global partners, contributing to international efforts such as the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

The Centre, launched recently, will also focus on genomic sequencing to identify genetic mutations, laying the foundation for a national paediatric cancer genome database and personalised treatment protocols. It features India's first community-based Cancer Tissue Biobank, enabling advanced genomic research in paediatric leukaemia and lymphoma.

With a total sum of Rs 56 crore committed towards this initiative, HMIF has also established a dedicated Rs 3 crore Cancer Care Fund to ensure equitable access to treatment for economically disadvantaged patients.