News

Google Is Developing An AI Cancer-Spotting Microscope

The search giant has teamed up with the US Department of Defense to build the new detection tool.

Published

3 months ago

September 21, 2023

google is developing an ai cancer-spotting microscope

Google has developed an “Augmented Reality Microscope” (ARM) in collaboration with the US Department of Defense. The prototype uses AI enhancements to add real-time visual indicators such as heat maps or object boundaries, making identifying the presence of known pathogens and cancer cells easier.

The ARM was first teased in 2018, and the latest prototype has still not been used to diagnose real patients. After further testing, Google hopes that the technology will be “retrofitted into existing light microscopes in hospitals and clinics”. Once installed, ARM-equipped microscopes will give clinicians a variety of visual feedback cues, including text, arrows, contours, animations and heat maps.

google ai powered cancer spotting microscope

The US Department of Defense’s “Defense Innovation Unit” has already negotiated agreements with Google to enable Augmented Reality Microscope distribution through military channels. ARM is expected to cost $90,000 to $100,000 per unit — a figure well beyond many local health providers.

Also Read: Canadian University Dubai Students Create Smart Garbage Bin

This is not the first time Google Health has invested in AI-powered diagnostic tools. Parent company Alphabet already has a strong record of partnering with startups that invest in AI to “improve healthcare” and is projected to have spent over $200 billion on AI technology over the past decade — something that’s especially noteworthy at a time when the World Health Organization is predicting a worldwide deficit of 15 million health care workers by 2030.

Related Topics:Artificial Intelligence Google HealthTech

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Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 To Help Climate Technology Startups

The initiative was announced at the COP28 summit and will help selected startups with a $200,000 cash injection and further incentives.

Published

23 hours ago

December 5, 2023

Nour Nasir

Hub71

Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global technology system, has launched a new initiative to support climate technology startups backed by several of the UAE’s largest public and private sector organizations.

Known as the Hub71+ ClimateTech ecosystem, the program was announced at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, with funding commitments from 25+ local and international partners already in place.

A total of 342 startups have submitted applications so far, with the top companies being added to a shortlist that will be revealed shortly. Selected startups will receive Dh250,000 ($68,000) in incentives and an upfront cash support package of Dh250,000. In addition, the top performers of Hub71’s new initiative will also receive a top-up of up to Dh250,000 in exchange for additional equity.

Ahmad Alwan, deputy chief executive of Hub71, said: “This initiative aims to bring in different entities that have a shared mission towards climate tech […] Throughout the journey, we will support these companies, not only from being startups to becoming mature companies but also to facilitate their engagement with entities that would support them with access to capital, market, and talent”.

The Hub71+ ClimateTech ecosystem is backed by the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company and the National Central Cooling Company, who have each pledged Dh500,000 to the initiative as anchor partners.

Also Read: Wisdom Motor Brings First Zero-Emission Bus To GCC

They are joined by corporate partners, including Abu Dhabi holding company ADQ, Aldar Properties, sovereign wealth fund Mubadala, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Masdar City, and Dubai’s Emirates NBD. In addition, Siemens Energy is also onboard as an anchor partner.

So far, Hub71 has helped 260 member startups and created over 1,000 jobs, according to the organization’s website. In addition, it has collectively raised around Dh5 billion since its foundation in 2019.