Google for Companies has revealed the 24 startups chosen to participate in the Growth Academy AI for Health initiative in 2024. Supporting innovative companies using artificial intelligence (AI) to transform healthcare services and medical research is the program’s primary goal across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).
The chosen startups demonstrate how AI may be used to address Sub-Saharan Africa’s healthcare issues. Among the trailblazers adopting AI to revolutionise healthcare are Thalia Psychotherapy and TibuHealth from Kenya, Healthtrack from Nigeria, and Zoie Health from South Africa.
By matching patients with licenced therapists through AI-powered chatbots, Thalia Psychotherapy expands the reach of mental health services.
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The platform provided by TibuHealth ensures that more patients in underprivileged communities receive high-quality care by streamlining patient flow and cutting down on wait times. Through machine learning, Healthtrack’s platform analyses patient data and medical pictures to provide precise diagnoses and individualised treatment recommendations. These firms offer evidence of AI’s ability to help Sub-Saharan Africa with various healthcare issues. They hope to provide high-quality healthcare by utilising AI. Their innovative solutions can potentially revolutionise regional healthcare, improving lives and communities.
Innovating Mental Health Support in Africa
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 116 million people in Africa were living with mental health conditions even before the pandemic, with a critical shortage of mental health professionals. Thalia Psychotherapy’s AI-powered chatbot offers initial assessments and therapy sessions, increasing access to mental health support.
However, TibuHealth offers reasonably priced outpatient care in many neighbourhoods via “minute clinics” at partner pharmacies. The Head of Communications and Public Affairs at Google Africa, Dorothy Ooko, confirmed the company’s dedication to helping creative companies, especially those using AI to address pressing healthcare issues.
Participants will undergo rigorous training, mentorship, and networking opportunities in the next three months. Workshops will cover AI best practices, leadership development, responsible innovation, product design, and customer acquisition. Additionally, Google experts from various divisions, including Research, Health, Verily, Fitbit, and DeepMind, will provide personalised mentorship and technical support.
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Startup revolutionises Healthcare with AI Innovations
Shortlisted startups are from 13 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, employing AI to enhance patient care and medical research. From managing chronic diseases to assessing diabetic foot ulcers, predicting early-stage cancer, monitoring mental health through speech analysis, and developing digital biomarkers, these startups are pushing the boundaries of healthcare innovation.
Among the other notable businesses in the batch are the Spanish company Ephion Health, which specialises in creating digital biomarkers, and the Netherlands’ Clear. Bio, which utilises precision nutrition to control diabetes. While HearMe from Poland promotes employee mental health, FiveLives from France focuses on brain health for seniors.
Google’s initiative to support the development of creative companies and use AI to address major global healthcare issues is demonstrated by the Growth Academy, which issues – the AI for Health programme.