In a significant stride for healthcare innovation, Qatar-based healthtech startup Lillia has been awarded a $1.7 million grant by the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council. This funding is designated for the development of a groundbreaking digital twin technology aimed at revolutionizing the management of chronic diseases.
Advancing Digital Twin Technology
Lillia’s digital twin technology represents a cutting-edge approach to chronic disease care. By creating a virtual replica of a patient’s physiological state, this AI-powered system enables continuous monitoring and predictive analysis of health conditions. This real-time insight allows healthcare providers to anticipate potential health risks and tailor treatments more precisely, thereby improving patient outcomes.
The QRDI Council’s Technology Development Grant program supports innovative projects like Lillia’s, aiming to position Qatar as a leader in digital transformation and healthcare advancement. Nada Al-Olaqi, Director of Innovation Development and Piloting Programs at QRDI Council, emphasized the significance of this initiative:

“Through our Technology Development Grant program, we empower pioneering companies like Lillia to bring transformative technology solutions to life, advancing healthcare, enhancing quality of life, and positioning Qatar as a leader in digital transformation.”
Strategic Merger and Visionary Leadership
Founded in 2020 by CEO Sujit Chakrabarty, Lillia emerged from the merger of Qatar’s Droobi Health LLC and India’s Smit.fit in 2024. This strategic union combined expertise from both companies to tackle the global challenge of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes, which affects over 500 million people worldwide.
Chakrabarty articulated Lillia’s mission:
“Diabetes and related chronic conditions are the world’s biggest healthcare challenge, affecting more than 500 million people. The good news is with the right interventions, diabetes can be prevented and reversed in the early stages or effectively managed for long-term health. Lillia exists to lower the chronic disease burden for the world by providing continuous adaptive care that drives a real and lasting lifestyle change.”
AI-Powered Personalized Care
Lillia’s platform leverages artificial intelligence in conjunction with human expertise to deliver personalized care plans. The system integrates input from psychologists, nutritionists, and medical professionals to create interventions tailored to each individual’s lifestyle and metabolic profile. This holistic approach not only addresses the medical aspects of chronic diseases but also supports sustainable behavioral changes.
Since its inception, Lillia has assisted over 40,000 individuals across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and India in managing conditions such as diabetes and obesity. The platform’s success underscores the potential of combining AI technology with human insight to combat chronic health issues effectively.
Showcasing Innovation at Web Summit Qatar
At the recent Web Summit Qatar, Lillia unveiled its vision for the future of chronic disease management. The company demonstrated how its digital twin technology, paired with AI agents, can provide real-time risk monitoring and precision medication recommendations. This innovation promises to transform how chronic conditions are managed, offering proactive solutions that adapt to the evolving needs of patients.
Expansion Plans
With the support of the QRDI Council and backing from entities such as Qatar Development Bank, Qatar Science & Technology Park, and M Venture Partners, Lillia is poised for growth. The company plans to expand its services throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia over the next two years. This expansion aims to bring Lillia’s innovative solutions to a broader population, addressing the global challenge of chronic diseases through AI-driven care.
Conclusion
Lillia’s receipt of the $1.7 million grant from the QRDI Council marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of AI-powered healthcare solutions in Qatar and beyond. By integrating advanced technology with personalized care, Lillia is setting a new standard for chronic disease management, offering hope for improved health outcomes for millions worldwide.
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