Hyundai Motor & IIT Madras Launch ‘Hyundai Hope for Cancer’ to Transform Paediatric Cancer Care

Chennai : September 03, 2025 – Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), has launched a landmark initiative – ‘Hyundai Hope for Cancer’, aimed at revolutionizing paediatric cancer care in India through genomic-led research and innovation.

At the core of this initiative is the Hyundai Centre for Cancer Genomics, established at IIT Madras’ main campus in Chennai. The centre, inaugurated by Shri. Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Government of India, houses the country’s first community-based Cancer Tissue Biobank for advanced genomic studies in paediatric leukaemia and lymphoma.

HMIF has committed ₹56 Crore towards this project, including a ₹3 Crore Cancer Care Fund to support equitable treatment access for underprivileged children.

📌 Key Highlights of the Initiative:

• Genomic sequencing of paediatric cancers to build India’s first childhood cancer genome database.
• Collection and sequencing of 1,600+ cancer samples.
• Free treatment for 30–50 children from economically weaker sections.
• 225+ cancer awareness and screening camps across Tamil Nadu, Haryana, and Maharashtra in the next 4 years.
• 1.27 lakh individuals to be screened and 5,000+ girl children to be vaccinated against HPV.
• Training and upskilling of 100+ genomics technicians.
• Deployment of Mobile Medical Units to expand cancer care access in underserved regions.

Speaking at the launch, Shri. Dharmendra Pradhan said, “The Hyundai Hope for Cancer initiative exemplifies ‘Sabka Prayas’ in action by fostering industry-academia collaboration, translational research, and equitable healthcare access. Building a paediatric cancer genomic database will enable early detection, personalized treatment, and better survival outcomes for children across India.”

Mr. Unsoo Kim, Managing Director of HMIL, added, “Guided by our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity,’ Hyundai is committed to not just infrastructure but to healing, resilience, and hope. Every child deserves a brighter, healthier tomorrow.”

Expressing IIT Madras’ vision, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “This Centre will drive breakthrough research in paediatric oncology, improving diagnostics and treatment outcomes for children battling cancer.”

The inauguration was attended by Shri. Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport & Highways; Dr. Laxmikant Bajpai, MP (Rajya Sabha); Prof. S. Mahalingam, Principal Investigator, Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras, along with senior leadership from HMIL and HMIF.

This initiative is aligned with Hyundai’s global ‘Hope on Wheels’ program, reinforcing the company’s longstanding commitment to supporting children fighting cancer worldwide.