Deeptech AI programme targets health challenges

Postgraduate researchers at the University of Glasgow are part of a programme to harness AI technologies and build AI-enabled startups that can address some of the greatest challenges faced by the NHS.

‘AI Discovery’ is a deeptech AI initiative, just launched, that aims to bridge innovation between university postgraduate talent and NHS Scotland.

Delivered by CodeBase via its Techscaler programme, the initiative will run in collaboration with the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, and NHS Scotland, with some of the teams based in GRID.

CodeBase’s chief strategy officer Steven Drost said: “We have some of the world’s best universities, and there is a real opportunity to point some of the brightest minds at some of society’s biggest challenges. The plan is to connect NHS data to AI startups who can help bring about significant productivity and efficiency gains.

'Seismic opportunity'

“The world is changing, and we need to build new things. From an investment perspective, AI represents a seismic opportunity. Globally, one of the greatest bottlenecks is finding deeptech AI founders.”

• Bridging innovation between university postgraduate talent and NHS Scotland

Alessandro Rosiello, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at University of Edinburgh Business School and Director of Innovation of Edinburgh Futures Institute, said that AI Discovery is a “critical step in the direction of changing the University's mindset and building a more entrepreneurial campus.”

David Lowe, Director of Clinical Innovation at the University of Glasgow and Clinical Lead Health CSO at The Scottish Government, said: “AI Discovery has the potential to be a true game changer for healthcare, particularly within the NHS. Through this opportunity, we are committed to fostering an environment that will nurture the next generation of bioentrepreneurs.

“We believe that by empowering innovative minds with the tools, resources, and support they need, we can accelerate the development of transformative technologies that will address some of the most pressing challenges facing the NHS and global healthcare systems today.”

Techscaler is already supporting healthcare technology startups like Glasgow-headquartered Infix Support, led by consultant anaesthetist Dr Matthew Freer, who are rolling out AI-enabled software across all of Scotland’s NHS Health Boards aimed at improving operating theatre efficiency.

In the first phase of the DeepTech AI pilot, up to 30 postgraduates from the University of Edinburgh and University of Glasgow will undertake a nine-week programme that will include 10 three-hour modules, workshops, and hackathons, with a focus around areas like lean product development, market research and insights, data analysis, pitching, and go-to-market strategy.

AI Discovery has the potential to be a true game changer for healthcare, particularly within the NHS. Through this opportunity, we are committed to fostering an environment that will nurture the next generation of bioentrepreneurs.

David Lowe

Yaheya Shafti, a University of Glasgow research assistant working on radar and machine learning for healthcare applications, said: “AI is unlocking new possibilities that will transform healthcare.

“In my work, I see researchers developing a wide range of AI-driven innovations, each with unique potential to improve healthcare delivery. Our team, for example, is developing AI-powered contactless health monitoring technology to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and convenience.

“The AI Discovery programme is already proving to be invaluable to my entrepreneurial journey. And coming from an engineering background, gaining business insights from experts has been eye-opening, helping bridge the gap between research and real-world impact.”

Solutions

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Artificial intelligence is already proving itself to be a force for good in our health and social care service, providing a range of solutions that are transforming services for the better and in a number of cases, saving lives.

“Tapping into the talent and innovation across Scotland’s Techscaler start-up community, the AI Discovery initiative presents a hugely exciting platform for business, academia and public sector to come together to create new startups that accelerate and scale up AI solutions. I look forward to seeing the results of this valuable collaboration.”

• Title image: Yaheya Shafti with his research team at the University of Glasgow