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The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar, has brought artificial intelligence into discussions on traditional medicine
research, drug development and healthcare through its national conference, Ayu-Tech Navonmesh 2026.
Held on October 15 and 16 alongside the institute’s sixth Foundation Day celebrations, the conference brought together experts from Ayurveda, healthcare, academia and technology to examine how AI could support research and digital innovation in traditional medicine.
The discussions covered potential applications of AI in Ayurvedic drug research and development, quality assurance, clinical trials and education. Participants explored how data-driven approaches could support researchand new product development while maintaining scientific standards and the integrity of traditional knowledge.
Dr Geetha Krishnan, head of the Traditional Medicine Research, Data and Innovation Unit at the World Health Organization’s Global Traditional Medicine Centre, emphasised that AI should complement Ayurveda rather than replace its foundational knowledge. She highlighted the importance of understanding Ayurveda’s core principles before adopting new technologies.
Sameer Pujari, AI Lead for Digital Health and Innovation at WHO headquarters, discussed the potential of AI to support knowledge preservation and healthcare innovation. He also highlighted concerns involving ethics, data privacy and regulatory barriers in the application of AI to traditional medicine.
The programme included sessions on responsible AI, digital knowledge systems and technology-enabled healthcare. Naman Goyal, Officer on Special Duty for Ayush Grid at the Ministry of Ayush, discussed AI and machine-learning processes, including data collection, processing, model training, testing and prediction. AI-powered chatbots and digital tools associated with Ayush Grid were also showcased.
ITRA Director Professor Tanuja Nesari described the conference as a platform for collaboration between traditional Ayurvedic knowledge and advanced technology. The event encouraged discussion of the scientific, ethical and practical considerations involved in applying AI to research, education, drug development and healthcare services.
The discussions highlighted the need for reliable data, scientific validation,privacy safeguards and responsible implementation as researchers explore AI applications in traditional medicine.
The conference reflects growing interest in applying AI to specialised areasof healthcare and research. For Ayurveda, the challenge is to turn emerging technological possibilities into dependable applications whilepreserving scientific rigour and the integrity of traditional knowledge.
Held on October 15 and 16 alongside the institute’s sixth Foundation Day celebrations, the conference brought together experts from Ayurveda, healthcare, academia and technology to examine how AI could support research and digital innovation in traditional medicine.
The discussions covered potential applications of AI in Ayurvedic drug research and development, quality assurance, clinical trials and education. Participants explored how data-driven approaches could support researchand new product development while maintaining scientific standards and the integrity of traditional knowledge.
Dr Geetha Krishnan, head of the Traditional Medicine Research, Data and Innovation Unit at the World Health Organization’s Global Traditional Medicine Centre, emphasised that AI should complement Ayurveda rather than replace its foundational knowledge. She highlighted the importance of understanding Ayurveda’s core principles before adopting new technologies.
Sameer Pujari, AI Lead for Digital Health and Innovation at WHO headquarters, discussed the potential of AI to support knowledge preservation and healthcare innovation. He also highlighted concerns involving ethics, data privacy and regulatory barriers in the application of AI to traditional medicine.
The programme included sessions on responsible AI, digital knowledge systems and technology-enabled healthcare. Naman Goyal, Officer on Special Duty for Ayush Grid at the Ministry of Ayush, discussed AI and machine-learning processes, including data collection, processing, model training, testing and prediction. AI-powered chatbots and digital tools associated with Ayush Grid were also showcased.
ITRA Director Professor Tanuja Nesari described the conference as a platform for collaboration between traditional Ayurvedic knowledge and advanced technology. The event encouraged discussion of the scientific, ethical and practical considerations involved in applying AI to research, education, drug development and healthcare services.
The discussions highlighted the need for reliable data, scientific validation,privacy safeguards and responsible implementation as researchers explore AI applications in traditional medicine.
The conference reflects growing interest in applying AI to specialised areasof healthcare and research. For Ayurveda, the challenge is to turn emerging technological possibilities into dependable applications whilepreserving scientific rigour and the integrity of traditional knowledge.
