Google For Startups Unveils AI For Health Cohort

Google for Startups has announced the 24 startups selected for the 2024 edition of the Growth Academy: AI for Health initiative.

The program’s goal is to assist high-potential businesses in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) that are using artificial intelligence (AI) to transform medical research and healthcare. Leading the pack are Kenya’s Thalia Psychotherapy and TibuHealth, alongside Nigeria’s Healthtracka and South Africa’s Zoie Health. The chosen examples showcase AI’s potential in tackling healthcare challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from mental health integration to delivering accessible outpatient services to underserved communities.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 116 million people across Africa were already estimated to be living with mental health conditions pre-pandemic and as things stand, there are fewer than two mental health workers for every 100 000 people. Thalia Psychotherapy’s AI-powered chatbot provides initial assessments and therapy sessions, increasing access to mental health support in a region with a critical shortage of mental health professionals. TibuHealth, on the other hand, delivers affordable outpatient services via “minute clinics” in partner pharmacies in high-density neighborhoods.

Dorothy Ooko, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, Google, Africa, said, “We are committed to supporting the growth of innovative startups, particularly those that are leveraging AI to address critical healthcare challenges. The Growth Academy: AI for Health program is a testament to this commitment, and we are excited to see the impact these startups will have on the future of healthcare.”

Over the course of three months, participants will undergo rigorous training, mentorship, and networking. Workshops will delve into AI best practices, leadership development, responsible innovation, product design, and customer acquisition. Moreover, Google experts from Research, Health, Verily, Fitbit, and DeepMind will provide personalized mentorship and technical support.

Startups from 13 countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa are leveraging AI to improve patient care and medical research. Aide (UK) manages chronic diseases, while AmplifAI (Saudi Arabia) assesses diabetic foot ulcers with AI. Biorce (Portugal) enhances clinical trials, and C the Signs (UK) predicts early-stage cancer. Callyope (France) monitors mental health via speech, and Clear.bio (Netherlands) uses precision nutrition for diabetes. Ephion Health (Spain) develops digital biomarkers, and Exakt Health (Germany) offers a physiotherapy app.

FiveLives (France) focuses on brain health for seniors, while Healthtracka (Nigeria) provides remote diagnostics. HearMe (Poland) supports employee mental health, and Juniver (UK) aids eating disorders with AI. Mindgram (Poland) offers holistic psychological support, and Motherbeing (Egypt) focuses on women’s health.

Noah Labs (Germany) detects heart failure early, and Nui (Germany) supports caregivers. O7 Therapy (Egypt) provides mental health support, while Powerful Medical (Slovakia) advances cardiovascular diagnostics. Research Grid (UK) automates clinical trials, and Rofim (France) offers telemedicine. SYCAI Medical (Spain) prevents abdominal cancer, Thalia Psychotherapy (Kenya) integrates mental health into primary care, TibuHealth (Kenya) provides outpatient services, and Zoie Health (South Africa) offers affordable healthcare.