Collaboration to deliver a Transformational Tool in Cancer Diagnostics

In partnership with the Precision Medicine Centre Queen’s University, Belfast, Sonrai Analytics is to lead an Artificial Intelligence in Health and Care Award to deliver novel AI cancer screenings across the NHS.

The Belfast-based AI company is the only lead representative from Northern Ireland to secure part of the UK-wide grant, subject to contract. £140 million will be available over four years to meet the aims set out in the NHS Long Term Plan.

Seven new specialised roles to be created in the coming months, will provide a specialist team to develop and train new AI algorithms on a cloud platform. Pathogists would be able to upload biopsy images and ‘run’ them against the algorithms for faster and more accurate results.

Darragh McArt, CEO of Sonrai Analytics said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious grant from NIHR which is testament to both Sonrai's strengths and experience within AI cancer diagnostics and the close links we have developed with the PMC at Queen's. We are excited by the opportunity to translate our research into real clinical benefits for patients across the UK."

Professor Manuel Salto-Tellez, Co-Director of the Precision Medicine Centre and Chair of Molecular Pathology at Queen's University Belfast, said: “Artificial Intelligence needs to fulfil its medical promise. The partnership between the Precision Medicine Centre at Queen’s University Belfast and Sonrai Analytics will deliver a framework for AI tissue-based diagnostics across the NHS, providing more timely, accurate and affordable laboratory results.”

Through the active involvement of the Northern Ireland Cancer Research Consumer Forum, the project will also work to enhance public understanding of the benefits of AI in cancer diagnostics.

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