Periwinkle Technologies has developed the AI-enabled Smart Scope® CX for rapid, single-visit cervical examinations, delivering results in 30 seconds. This device is crucial in addressing the high incidence of cervical cancer, particularly in underserved areas of India. Having screened over 350,000 women, it was awarded the 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize for its impactful innovation.
Founded in 2013, Pune-based MedTech company Periwinkle Technologies has developed the Smart Scope® CX, an AI-enabled digital device designed for single-visit cervical examinations. Providing results in just 30 seconds, this innovative device has transformed cancer screening, enabling early detection and treatment of cervical abnormalities, including precancerous lesions and infections.
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Cervical cancer remains a pressing health concern in India and globally. It is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, with new cases estimated to be around 660,000 new cases and deaths around 350,000, according to the data published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2022. The WHO report also states that the highest rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality occur in low- and middle-income countries, creating a significant public health burden on a country like India. One woman dies of cervical cancer every eight minutes in India, according to data published by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India). Cervical cancer is also the second most common cancer in India, accounting for 22.86% of all cancer cases in women, as per the ICMR data. To combat this effectively, early detection is crucial. Yet, access to timely and accurate screening continues to prove a key challenge, particularly in remote regions and underserved communities.
Periwinkle Technologies’ Smart Scope? CX addresses this challenge with its portability and ease of use enabling healthcare workers, even in the most remote of locations, to conduct thorough cervical examinations without the need for extensive infrastructure or specialised training. The device's artificial intelligence capabilities enhance diagnostic accuracy, providing immediate visual reports that enable prompt decision-making and timely treatment. Since its inception in 2018, it has achieved remarkable milestones, screening over 350,000 women and detecting abnormalities in more than 5,000 cases, as per the data accrued from the company’s fieldwork and users. This has directly contributed to saving lives through timely detection and counselling, which have facilitated early intervention and reduced the risk of disease progression. Otherwise, the pre-cancerous stage in these individuals could have advanced to carcinoma-in-situ. This screening technology has been widely adopted by gynaecology clinics, public healthcare providers, private hospitals, NGOs, and corporate health programmes.
However, Periwinkle’s reach extends beyond individual patients. By enabling mass-scale cervical health examinations, especially among lower economic groups of women dependent on public healthcare systems such as health and wellness centres, the company aims to make a larger impact in increasing health-seeking behaviour, especially among women, by creating awareness and countering the myth that cancer doesn’t necessarily have to be fatal, and that early screening can save lives. So far, the Smart Scope? CX has reached communities in 20 different Indian states and five other countries.
This, in turn, has the potential to transform women's healthcare in India and beyond. It is in recognition of its innovative contributions to sustainability and human development that Periwinkle Technologies was awarded the 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Health category. Established to honour the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Prize rewards impactful, innovative, and inspiring sustainable solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time.
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On January 14, during an Awards Ceremony held in Abu Dhabi, Periwinkle Technologies received the 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Health category, which includes an award of US $1 million. With this funding, the company plans to expand its work to more remote regions across India and other countries, continuously improving its device, software and training, to reach more women and save more lives.
Periwinkle Technologies exemplifies the spirit of innovation that the Zayed Sustainability Prize seeks to celebrate. Their dedication to improving women's health through accessible technology not only addresses a critical medical need but also empowers women at an individual and community level, fostering resilience and promoting sustainable development.
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Empowering women is a cornerstone of economic growth and sustainable development. Experience has consistently demonstrated that granting women equal access to resources, healthcare, and education benefits societies as a whole, leading to enhanced productivity, improved health outcomes, and more resilient economies. Women, especially in rural areas, are key agents for achieving the transformational economic, environmental, and social changes required for sustainable development.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the contributions of companies such as Periwinkle Technologies underscore the importance of integrating state-of-the-art technology in improving healthcare accessibility. By addressing pressing health challenges with ingenuity and empathy, Periwinkle is paving the way for a healthier, more equitable future.
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Each year, the Zayed Sustainability Prize recognises 11 organisations and high schools with sustainable solutions across the categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Global High Schools. Its 2026 cycle is now open: by participating, innovators can gain recognition, resources, and a platform to further their impact, contributing to a more sustainable and just future for all. Reference links:
