Detection of cerebral ischemia based on machine learning
Stroke is the second cause of morbidity and the leading cause of long-term disability. More than 1.1 million people in Europe suffer a stroke each year, which will increase to 1.5 million in 2025 due to an ageing population and unhealthy lifestyle. Stroke diagnosis and care is notoriously complicated. Some improvements have been made in the clinic, such as through the introduction of CT Perfusion imaging technology (CTP) to allow for quantitation. There are, however, many concerns with current implementations resulting in poor accuracy.

Nico.lab develops and markets unique Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology which analyzes brain imagery – such as a CT or MRI scan – and provides health professionals with treatment advice. CTP is a vastly different technology and is thus not yet supported by our AI analysis. Therefore, we want to research and develop novel algorithms to natively analyze CTP data and provide quick treatment advice.

As we have no experience at all with CTP technology – not medically nor concerning software, and barely in a research capacity - we require someone who holds all these expertises. There are, however, several barriers currently withholding us, ranging from our lacking resources to demontstrably unavailable talent in The Netherlands. 

With this Innovation Associate grant we wish to hire the right talent. In this project the innovation associate will explore the technical and practical feasibility of developing data driven CTP algorithms. The innovation associate will obtain technical, practical and soft skills. Finally, the associate will deliver an innovation programme roadmap which can be implemented after finalization of this project.