Manjunath's motivation stems from personal tragedy: the loss of two close family members to late-stage breast cancer. This experience propelled her to leverage her expertise in artificial intelligence to address the critical issue of late detection in breast cancer cases. In India, nearly 50% of diagnosed women succumb within two to five years, despite breast cancer being among the most treatable forms when detected early.

Traditional mammography, while effective, has limitations—it is typically recommended for women over 45, can be expensive, and may not be readily accessible. Moreover, it often fails to detect cancer in women with dense breast tissue. Recognizing these challenges, Manjunath developed NIRAMAI Thermalytix, an AI-powered, non-invasive, radiation-free, and privacy-conscious method for early breast cancer screening suitable for women of all ages.

"Our solution is 30% more accurate than traditional methods and costs just 20% of existing screening tests," she stated. Unlike conventional mammography, which requires expensive equipment and skilled technicians, Thermalytix’s thermal imaging method can be deployed in rural and urban areas alike. “We do this with a “no see, no touch, no pain, no radiation” process—the woman enters the room, sits in front of this device like a camera, which measures the temperature and then AI does the magic and converts it into a breast health report,” she elaborated. 

Manjunath emphasized the importance of early detection, noting that waiting for physical symptoms like lumps often means the cancer has already progressed to a more advanced stage. NIRAMAI's solution aims to facilitate regular screenings, thereby improving treatment efficacy and survival rates.

Beyond technological innovation, Manjunath highlighted the need to address societal barriers that hinder women's health. She advocates for increased awareness and proactive health measures, encouraging women to prioritize regular screenings.