09-04-2025
Three new health tech start-ups set to revolutionise healthcare through AI
THREE promising north west start-ups are set to revolutionise healthcare through artificial intelligence.
Decently, Talk It Out, and Leaf AI are the latest additions to the Science and Technology Facilities Council's (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory, joining one of the UK's most successful networks of Business Incubation Centres (BICs).
Their goal is to enhance patient care and succeed in global markets with their AI innovations.
Decently is focused on improving the treatment of patients with brain injuries.
The digital health start-up has developed an AI-powered platform called Melo that is already in use in some UK hospitals.
The platform helps clinicians manage the challenging behaviours of patients with brain injuries, dementia, PTSD, and learning difficulties, by improving diagnoses, management, and rehabilitation.
Melo streamlines assessments and enhances understanding of complex behavioural needs, thereby improving patient outcomes.
The BIC programme provides Decently with access to STFC's research and development facilities, aiding its software development and exploring its potential for broader healthcare applications.
Talk It Out is enhancing mental health support by integrating AI with walking and talking therapy.
They are developing an interactive app that analyses the user's voice in real time to identify emotional cues.
The app provides helpful insights, allowing users to better understand their emotions and priorities.
As part of the BIC Programme, Talk It Out is advancing the development of its AI prototype.
Leaf AI aims to assist those living with dementia.
The health tech start-up has developed an AI-enabled app, Leafstory, which helps users document their memories and life stories, enabling them to share these moments with others.
Adam Galloway, co-founder and CTO of Leaf AI, said: "The support we are receiving from the BIC programme has been critical for our growth plan over the next 12 months.
"Having a presence at Daresbury Laboratory lets us work with many other businesses who operate with similar tech to us.
"We're excited to grow here and continue our relationship with other R&D driven businesses."
Paul Vernon, head of STFC's Daresbury Laboratory, said: "AI has the potential to revolutionise healthcare, and I am proud to support these innovative start-ups driving that change right here at Daresbury Laboratory.
"By providing access to our world-class facilities and expertise, we're accelerating innovations that enhance patient care and support across the healthcare sector, benefitting the UK economy and society."
Each start-up benefits from £50,000 in non-dilutive funding and a broad range of bespoke business support.
This combination of funding, support, and resources enables start-ups to accelerate product development and achieve commercial success.
