7 health systems invest in AI startup

Seven health systems have invested in a $26 million funding round for Optain Health, which uses AI to detect eye disease.

The oversubscribed series A investment included Houston-based Memorial Hermann Health System, New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health, Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health, Columbus-based Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, and Pittsburgh-based UPMC.

Optain was cofounded by venture capital firm Aegis Ventures, which works with a consortium of 11 health systems to codevelop healthcare AI startups. The company created a portable robotic camera to detect eye conditions, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, and evaluate cardiovascular disease risk in real time without pupil dilation. 

“By deploying Optain in patient care and investing in the company, consortium members have shown strong confidence in its value for enabling early detection and better outcomes,” said John Noseworthy, MD, chair of the Aegis Digital Consortium and emeritus CEO of Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic, in a Sept. 10 news release. Dr. Noseworthy will represent the health systems as an observer on the startup’s board.

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