Sycai Medical, a Barcelona-based startup specializing in AI-powered medical imaging tools, has secured €3 million in funding to advance its innovative technology aimed at early cancer detection. The company, founded in 2020, focuses on developing solutions that identify abdominal cancers and pre-malignant lesions in their early stages, reducing the need for invasive diagnostic procedures. This funding round was supported by LUMO Labs, Ship2B Ventures, Athos Capital, and Namarel Ventures, providing a significant boost to the startup’s expansion plans in Europe and the U.S.
What differentiates Sycai Medical’s technology?
Unlike some existing imaging technologies that are tailored for specific tests, Sycai Medical’s AI-driven platform is hardware-agnostic and analyzes all imaging data regardless of its initial diagnostic purpose. This comprehensive approach allows for the proactive detection of abnormalities even if radiologists are not specifically looking for them. By automating patient monitoring and quantifying treatment responses, the platform not only aids in early cancer detection but also enhances the precision of oncological care by identifying benign lesions unlikely to progress into cancer.
How will the €3M funding be utilized?
The newly raised capital will primarily support the rollout of Sycai Medical’s certified digital medical device across Europe, with plans to extend its application to include hepatic and renal lesion detection alongside pancreatic lesions. Additionally, the funds will be used to validate the technology in the U.S. to secure FDA approval. Sycai CEO and co-founder, Sara Toledano, highlighted the transition the company is undergoing:
“We are currently undergoing a transformation from a product-driven to a business-driven organisation, due to the MDR approval and initiation of commercial activities. We are confident that our new investors will play a pivotal role in fostering a refreshed mindset to support this transition.”
Comparing this development to previous milestones, Sycai Medical achieved CE certification for its pancreas application in mid-2024 after completing its first clinical trial in 2023. This marks a steady progression from initial product development to regulatory approval and now commercial expansion, showcasing the company’s commitment to addressing the challenges of late-stage cancer diagnosis.
Founded during the pandemic by Sara Toledano, Javier García, and Júlia Rodríguez, the company has been deeply engaged with hospitals and healthcare professionals to ensure its products meet real-world needs. According to LUMO Labs partner Sven Bakkes, their tools are designed to be scalable and adaptable, offering unique advantages within the European medical imaging landscape:
“Eary diagnosis and targeted cures are key for the quality of life of a patient but also improve the circumstances for caregivers and even the efficiency of how our healthcare system is organised.”
While early detection of abdominal cancers such as pancreatic, kidney, and liver cancer has remained a challenge due to late diagnoses, Sycai’s AI platform aims to bridge this gap by integrating AI into routine imaging practices. This innovative approach aligns with broader trends in medical technology aiming to reduce patient mortality and improve healthcare efficiency globally.
For readers, this development emphasizes the growing role of AI in healthcare, particularly in non-invasive diagnostic tools. Technologies like Sycai’s hold the potential to reshape diagnostic workflows and improve patient outcomes, especially for cancers that are difficult to detect early. However, achieving scalability and regulatory compliance across multiple regions will be key challenges that the company will need to navigate effectively to make a broader impact in the medical field.
