PICK4Kids–Veda STAR Awards

Childhood cancers are biologically distinct and often driven by molecular alterations that traditional clinical and histological classifications do not adequately capture. Advances in molecular profiling have opened new opportunities for risk stratification, targeted therapy, and more individualised approaches to childhood cancer care — yet this promise is not equally available to every child. Access to appropriate molecular diagnostics, expertise, and multidisciplinary decision-making remains uneven, particularly in resource-constrained settings, and childhood cancer survival continues to show substantial global disparities linked to timely diagnosis and access to care.

It is in this context that the PICK4Kids–Veda STAR Awards have been established — to recognise and support individuals and collaborative teams who are helping translate the promise of precision oncology into better care and better outcomes for children with cancer.

The Awards are inspired by the story and legacy of Veda Star, born from the experience of a child with cancer and a family who saw first-hand how statistics fall short when an individual child does not follow the expected path. Veda Star's vision, “To cure the incurable,” guided by the values “Marginal Matters” and “Small Changes Big Impact,” has inspired PICK4Kids' broader mission of Precision Oncology for Every Child. The Awards are generously funded by the Veda Star Foundation.

The 2026 Awards will recognise excellence across three complementary categories — the Molecular Innovation Award, the Precision Access Partnership Award, and the Equity in Precision Medicine Award — each carrying a ₹5,00,000 award grant along with a PICK4Kids–Veda STAR Award Trophy and Certificate.