South African innovative medical technology startup Envisionit Deep AI which utilizes artificial intelligence to streamline and improve medical imaging diagnosis for radiologists has won $50 000 at the Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge with its healthcare solution, Radify.
The Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge is an online competition that awards cash prizes to early-stage tech entrepreneurs solving the world’s toughest problems. Cisco is committed to positively impacting 1 billion people by 2025. As part of their work, they seek to inspire and empower a generation of global problem solvers who will not only survive – but drive and thrive – in their increasingly digital economy. With the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital technologies connecting devices and data, good ideas now have the ability to make a difference more quickly than ever before – and they’re here to help.
The startup won a second runner-up title and was one of the top 20 winning teams. Established in 2017, the challenge offers cash prizes to early-stage startups that have developed technology solutions to economic, social, or environmental problems. The challenge received 1 745 entries from 126 countries worldwide.
Envisionit Deep AI Co-founder and CEO, Dr Jaishree Naidoo, said in a statement: “The $50 000 USD prize is an acknowledgement of hope to continue our mission, which is to address challenges in medical imaging diagnosis.”
What to know about SA startup Envisionit and Radify
Naidoo founded the Envisionit in 2019 alongside co-founders Andrei Migatchev and Terence Naidu. The medical technology company then developed Radify. Radify is an artificial intelligence solution with which radiologists can detect abnormalities on X-rays and other images.
It can label and prioritise over 2 000 X-rays per minute and assist with early analysis of infectious diseases. It can also triage patients according to the various probabilities of Tuberculosis in children and adults. Envisionit offers Radify solutions for chest X-rays, breast imaging, and ultrasound. Hence, it can be used to diagnose other ailments such as breast cancer.
The startup aims to partner with governments and private sectors in Africa. It seeks to provide people under the age of 15 access to paediatric diagnostic care. “We understand the important role technology plays in transforming radiology,” Naidoo added.
