First AI Datathon in Critical Care

The Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM), in association with Kauvery Group of Hospitals and IIT-M, successfully conducted the AI in Critical Care Datathon 2026 as part of the 32nd Annual Conference of ISCCM held in Chennai. The conference brought together clinicians, researchers, engineers, and data scientists from across the world. A major highlight of the conference was the two-day AI Datathon (February 25–26), a first-of-its-kind initiative that brought together critical care physicians and data scientists to collaborate on real-world ICU challenges. Participants worked with authentic clinical datasets including continuous monitoring data, laboratory values, imaging, and clinical notes to develop predictive models aimed at improving decision-making in complex conditions such as sepsis, shock, acute kidney injury, and respiratory failure. Critical care remains one of the most data-intensive specialties in modern medicine, with numerous clinical decisions being made based on continuously evolving patient data. The Datathon demonstrated how interdisciplinary collaboration can transform this data into practical, clinically relevant solutions that support bedside decision-making in high-acuity environments. The conference featured global faculty from leading institutions across the world with DrPiyushMathur from Cleveland Clinic, and DrAnirban Bhattacharya from Mayo Clinic as course directors and Dr Bharat Jagisai as National Lead for the workshop. A keynote address by Padma Shri awardee V. Kamakoti, Director- IIT Madras and DrManivannan S, Founder and Managing Director Kauvery Group of Hospitals explored the growing relevance of applied artificial intelligence in healthcare and India’s potential to lead this transformation. Ten multidisciplinary teams presented working algorithms designed to address real ICU challenges. Select models will undergo further evaluation for potential real-world implementation across Kauvery Group hospitals, with strict safeguards around data privacy, ethical governance, and patient confidentiality. The initiative also paves the way for the deployment of sophisticated AI-enabled clinical support systems aimed at enhancing patient care and improving clinical outcomes across the network. Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said,“Critical care is one of the most complex and data-intensive areas of medicine. Patients in the ICU are often unconscious and unable to communicate their symptoms, making clinicians heavily dependent on data generated from multiple monitoring devices. The ability to interpret, infer, and predict outcomes purely from this data is crucial. A collaborative platform that brings together doctors and engineers is therefore both unique and essential. This Datathon will generate meaningful insights into how advanced analytics can enhance diagnosis, prediction, and decision-making in critical care.” Dr. Sridhar Nagaiyan, Coordinator – ISCCM AI in Critical Care Datathon, said, “ISCCM is the largest society of critical care physicians in India, dedicated to promoting excellence and best clinical practices. The AI in Critical Care Datathon, for the first time, brings together critical care specialists from across the world and data scientists from IIT Madras under one roof to collaborate on solving real-world challenges. By working with authentic critical care datasets, the teams are generating clinically meaningful questions and developing models that can advance research and positively influence everyday clinical practice.” Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, added, “Chennai is rapidly emerging as a hub for technology and artificial intelligence, creating new opportunities for innovation in healthcare delivery. Hosting a Datathon of this nature, the first of its kind in the city, reflects the growing convergence of clinical medicine and data science. As an early adopter of technology, Kauvery Hospital has been integrating AI into both its operational and clinical practices to enhance patient care. One such initiative involves leveraging AI-driven insights from the vast volumes of data generated across the entire continuum of care — from ambulance to ER, from ICU to the ward. This enables the prediction and reduction of critical events, while also automating routine documentation, freeing up valuable clinician and nursing time to focus more on patient care.” Dr. Manivannan S, Founder and Managing Director, Kauvery Group of Hospitals, said, “Artificial intelligence is steadily transforming healthcare delivery, particularly in critical care where real-time clinical data plays a vital role in decision-making. As AI technologies continue to evolve, healthcare institutions must remain adaptive to these advancements. At Kauvery, we are committed to embracing AI-driven innovations that can support clinicians, enhance precision in care, and ultimately improve patient outcomes while preserving the human element of medicine.” Beyond the Datathon, Criticare 2026 featured advanced scientific sessions, workshops, and expert-led discussions exploring the evolving role of artificial intelligence and predictive analytics in modern intensive care. With strong international participation and actionable outcomes, the initiative marks a significant step towards integrating applied AI into routine critical care practices.