The Vattikuti Foundation celebrated advancements in robotic surgery at the KS International Innovation Awards 2026, held in Miami on April 17, recognizing contributions from the global medical community.
The Vattikuti Foundation concluded its KS International Innovation Awards 2026 in Miami on April 17, highlighting significant global advancements in robotic surgery. The event recognized innovations aimed at enhancing surgical precision and improving patient recovery outcomes.
Established in 2015, the awards honor the late Shri Krishnaswamy Subrahmaniam, a pioneer who championed the adoption of robotic-assisted surgery in India and worldwide. The initiative is currently led by Indian American entrepreneur and philanthropist Raj Vattikuti, alongside CEO Dr. Mahendra Bhandari and Vice President Abhinav Vattikuti.
The 2026 awards showcased remarkable contributions from the South Asian medical community. A global jury, including Dr. Rajeev Kumar, Professor of Urology and Associate Dean at AIIMS, New Delhi, and Dr. Sherry M. Wren of Stanford University, evaluated submissions based on clinical relevance and scalability.
In the Procedure Track, Dr. Kalayarasan Raja from the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) in India was named Runner Up. He was recognized for his innovative robotic modified TajMahal hepatectomy, a technique that expands the possibilities of complex gastrointestinal surgery. Other notable finalists in this category included Swapnil Kushwaha and Mohan Gundeti.
The People’s Choice Award, determined by peers and the medical community, was awarded to Dr. Atanu Kumar Pal from Aster Medcity in Kochi, India. Dr. Pal’s winning entry focused on a robotic Level 3 IVC thrombectomy using suprahepatic IVC control, a complex procedure aimed at treating blood clots.
In the Technology Track, Federico Piramide of San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital secured first place for his work on immersive virtual environments for surgical planning. Daniele Amparore from the University of Turin earned the Runner Up position for his advancements in postoperative telemonitoring, while Derek Mendonca was also recognized as a finalist in this category.
Federico Lavagno, also from the University of Turin, achieved first place in the Procedure Track for his single-port nephroureterectomy technique, designed to enhance minimally invasive urologic surgery.
Abhinav Vattikuti, Vice President of the Vattikuti Foundation, emphasized that the awards reflect a transformative shift in the global application of robotic surgery. “What is particularly encouraging is the convergence of technology, data, and clinical expertise to solve real-world challenges,” he stated in a press release.
Dr. Mahendra Bhandari, CEO of the Foundation and Director of Robotic Research and Education at the Vattikuti Urology Institute at Henry Ford Hospital in Michigan, highlighted the importance of translating these advancements into tangible benefits for patients. “The real impact lies in translating this progress into better outcomes, wider access, and safer procedures for patients across diverse healthcare settings,” Bhandari remarked.
Founded in 1997 by Raj and Padma Vattikuti, the Michigan-based Vattikuti Foundation focuses on promoting the global adoption of robotic surgery to reduce patient suffering through smaller incisions and faster recovery times. Since 2010, the foundation has played a pivotal role in the Indian healthcare sector, supporting the integration of robotic systems in over 200 hospitals across the country, including government, private, and corporate institutions. To date, the foundation has trained more than 500 robotic surgeons in India, establishing robotic procedures as a standard of care in the region.
This article was prepared with the assistance of an AI tool and has been reviewed and edited for accuracy and clarity.
According to India Currents.