Philips creates AI start-up collaboration program

Philips Healthcare parent Royal Philips has launched a new worldwide incubator program for start-up companies that are developing healthcare artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

The collaboration program will focus on AI-based clinical decision-support applications, such as image interpretation, analysis, and integration, as well as workflow applications such as developing treatment plans for radiology, ultrasound, and oncology, according to the vendor.

Out of 750 applicants, 19 early-stage start-ups from 14 different countries have been selected to participate in the AI in Healthcare for Radiology, Ultrasound and Oncology program, which will involve the company's innovation hubs in Cambridge, MA; Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Bangalore, India; and Shanghai, China.

Philips will simultaneously engage with the 19 start-ups over the 12-week program with the goal of validating their propositions and helping to build, test, and scale their ideas. The firm will also explore possible collaborations.

In addition, the start-ups will have access to its "innovation ecosystem," which comprises hospital, academic, industry, and financial partners, Philips said.