In a significant stride towards fostering innovation in healthcare, Google has announced funding for 15 pioneering AI-driven projects, with a special focus on digital health initiatives.
In a significant stride towards fostering innovation in healthcare, Google has announced funding for 15 pioneering AI-driven projects, with a special focus on digital health initiatives. These projects are aimed at enhancing both provider experiences and patient access to care, aligning with Google’s commitment to furthering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Each of the 15 selected projects has been granted substantial support, including $3 million in technical assistance, cash backing, and Google Cloud credits. Additionally, a select few projects have been bestowed with Google.org Fellowships, entailing dedicated pro bono assistance from Google employees for a period of up to six months.
Among the funded projects, the following eight digital health initiatives have been chosen:
RAD-AID:
This initiative provides low-resource hospitals with an AI-powered platform designed to assist in triaging patients, particularly in cases of respiratory disease and breast cancer. The platform also aids in the interpretation of X-rays and scans, as well as delivering test results.
Wuqu’ Kawoq and safe+natal:
This collaboration seeks to develop a machine learning-enabled toolkit to assist midwives in rural areas of Guatemala in real-time detection of neonatal complications, including issues related to fetal growth and stress during delivery. The toolkit incorporates an ultrasound and blood pressure monitor connected to a smartphone.
MATCH (Music Attuned Technology – Care via eHealth):
A joint project from the University of Melbourne and CSIRO, MATCH combines music and wearable sensor technology to reduce agitation in dementia patients. Google’s funding will aid in the development of sensor technology and an AI-enabled adaptive music system.
Makerere AI Lab:
This endeavor aims to create a 3D-printed adapter equipped with AI to process images, compatible with a phone or microscope. The goal is to assist providers in Uganda in diagnosing illnesses like tuberculosis, malaria, and cancer, especially in regions with a scarcity of lab technicians.
IDinsight with Reach Digital Health:
This project has developed a natural language-enabled question-answering service for expectant mothers in South Africa, providing essential health information and addressing inquiries.
Causal Foundry:
This initiative is focused on crafting a smartphone-based tool that employs machine learning to aid community health providers in Sub-Saharan Africa in managing patient information and behavior changes related to pregnancy and childbirth.
Jacaranda Health:
This project offers an SMS-based digital health platform catering to expectant mothers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The platform includes behavioral nudges and a natural language-powered help desk for patient triage. The funding will be utilized to refine the platform’s machine learning model.
University of Surrey and Signapse:
This collaborative effort will utilize generative AI to offer real-time translation of online and offline text for deaf individuals in the U.S. and U.K. The project will also provide photorealistic videos in sign language, improving accessibility to healthcare and other information.
This strategic initiative aligns with Google’s dedication to revolutionizing healthcare access, supported by their Med-PaLM 2 machine learning technology. Med-PaLM 2 employs Google’s expansive language model to provide expert-level responses to medical queries, showcasing a remarkable 85%+ accuracy rate.
The company’s commitment to advancing healthcare solutions is further evidenced by the introduction of the AI-enabled Claims Acceleration Suite, streamlining prior authorization and claims processing in health insurance.