Bengaluru, 2 June

A Bengaluru-based startup called Dognosis is using trained dogs and AI technology to help detect cancer at an early stage through human breath samples – an innovation that could make cancer screening faster, cheaper and more accessible.

The process begins with collecting breath samples from participants using specially designed face masks that capture volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in human breath, which can change in the presence of diseases such as cancer.

The samples are then brought to the laboratory, where specially trained dogs examine them inside a controlled testing setup equipped with sensors and monitoring systems. The startup has also brought in international trainers to prepare the dogs used in the detection process.

"This data is then processed through AI systems trained using algorithms to convert what is usually considered subjective behaviour into objective scientific analysis," said Suba, Head of the Research and Development Department at Dognosis.

The company claims that its Phase-2 trials conducted over the past two years on nearly 1,500 participants showed an accuracy rate of around 90 per cent. Doctors associated with the project say the technology has shown promising results in these trials.

Experts believe that technologies combining AI with biological detection systems could significantly improve early screening and timely intervention in the future.