Ghana - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Revolutionizing malaria diagnosis with Artificial Intelligence: Our AI model detects malaria in thin blood smear images using just a smartphone camera, enabling clinics worldwide, especially in remote areas, to diagnose malaria affordably, and accurately.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Globin is an AI-driven health tech startup revolutionizing malaria diagnosis in Africa. Our software leverages pattern recognition capabilities of computers to detect malaria-infected blood cells, including the deadliest strain, falciparum. Trained on 3,000 images from the National Institute of Health's malaria dataset, our model achieves 96% accuracy in identifying malaria infections, outperforming conventional Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs). With 250 million people infected and 600,000 killed yearly, our mission is to combat malaria with cutting-edge technology. This smartphone-based solution is designed for affordability, accessibility, and ease of use, enabling healthcare workers in remote areas to diagnose and treat malaria. Furthermore, our AI platform has the potential to expand beyond malaria detection. We are actively exploring its application in identifying sickle cell disease from blood samples and diagnosing tuberculosis from X-ray chest scans.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

In underserved and remote areas, malaria diagnosis is increasingly challenging due to two key factors: Evolving Parasite: The deadliest malaria parasite, falciparum, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) is becoming resistant to traditional Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), leading to misdiagnosis and underreporting of cases. Limited Resources: Many clinics in remote areas lack access to expert microscopists and expensive equipment needed for accurate blood smear analysis, the gold standard for malaria diagnosis. Our solution addresses both challenges by providing an AI-powered, smartphone-based alternative. By analyzing blood smear images taken with a simple phone attachment, our model rapidly and accurately detects malaria parasites, vivax, and even the evolving falciparum strains. This eliminates the need for internet connectivity, specialized equipment, or extensive training, making accurate diagnosis accessible in even the most remote settings.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Accuracy and Speed in malaria diagnosis: Globin's AI solution has a 96% accuracy rate in detecting malaria, surpassing traditional RDTs. This accuracy, combined with rapid analysis via smartphone, ensures prompt and reliable diagnosis, leading to faster treatment initiation and improved patient outcomes. Accessibility in Remote Areas: The offline functionality of Globin's software will make it accessible in even the most remote regions with limited resources and connectivity. Healthcare workers can easily utilize the tool without extensive training or specialized equipment, ensuring malaria diagnosis reaches those most in need. Potential for Expanded Impact: Beyond malaria, Globin's AI demonstrates the potential for addressing other health challenges, such as sickle cell disease and tuberculosis. Reduced cost and Scalability: The scalable nature of the technology allows for rapid deployment across various regions, maximizing its impact in the fight against malaria.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

For every minute that passes, the world loses another life to malaria – a preventable disease that claims the lives of children in Africa. In 2022 alone, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria claimed the lives of 608,000 people, with 95% from Africa and 76% (approximately 462,000) being children under the age of 5. Our primary target beneficiaries are such children and communities in malaria-endemic regions such as Nigeria, DR Congo, and Uganda, as well as other affected nations across the continent. By focusing on early detection and prompt treatment, we aim to empower healthcare workers and protect the lives of those most at risk. Imagine a nurse in a remote village with no expertise in microscopic analysis. With our innovative solution, they can confidently detect malaria, potentially save countless lives and contribute to a significant reduction in the global malaria death toll.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-09-15

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

3

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Abdul Rashid Dasana, a Ghanaian final-year student and researcher at the Latin American School of Medicine in Cuba, brings invaluable expertise in tropical diseases, with a focus on malaria. His deep understanding of medical research and the specific challenges faced by malaria-endemic regions like Ghana is instrumental in guiding our team's research and development efforts. As our clinical validation lead, he plays a crucial role in evaluating and refining the AI model's predictions.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559668006497

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

f) Healthcare (healthcare equipment and services)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Malaria is a major cause of poverty due to lost productivity, healthcare costs, and the inability to work or attend school. By reducing the burden of malaria through effective diagnosis and treatment, our solution can indirectly contribute to poverty reduction in affected communities.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Health and Agricultural Productivity: Healthier individuals are more capable of working effectively, including in agricultural sectors. By improving malaria diagnosis and reducing the disease burden, Globin can help ensure that farmers and agricultural workers remain healthy and productive, which can enhance food production and security. Economic Stability: When communities are not burdened by high rates of malaria, there are fewer medical expenses and lost workdays. This can lead to improved economic conditions, allowing families to better afford food and invest in agriculture. Community Resilience: Healthy communities are more resilient and capable of maintaining consistent agricultural practices. Reduced incidence of malaria means that there are fewer disruptions in farming activities, leading to more stable food supplies.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Our AI-powered malaria detection tool directly addresses SDG 3 by aiming to reduce malaria cases and deaths, particularly among children under five. Early and accurate diagnosis leads to prompt treatment, preventing severe illness and saving lives. This has a direct and significant impact on improving health outcomes in malaria-endemic regions.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Malaria often leads to absenteeism from school, hindering children's education and future prospects. By reducing malaria cases, we enable more children to attend school regularly, thus contributing to better educational outcomes.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Women and girls are disproportionately affected by malaria, often facing barriers to healthcare access. Our mobile-based solution can empower women by providing a convenient and accessible tool for malaria diagnosis, potentially improving their health outcomes and overall well-being.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

3

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Support for Healthcare Sector: The introduction of innovative diagnostic tools like Globin creates new opportunities for employment and skill development in the healthcare sector, including training healthcare workers to use and maintain the technology. Support for Small-Scale Farmers: By addressing malaria, Globin indirectly supports small-scale farmers who rely on their health to maintain their livelihoods. Healthy farmers can work more consistently, improving agricultural productivity and contributing to economic stability.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

We leverage AI and mobile technology to develop an innovative healthcare solution that strengthens health infrastructure in underserved areas. Our approach fosters innovation in the healthcare sector and contributes to building more resilient health systems.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Our solution specifically targets underserved and remote communities with limited access to healthcare. By providing an affordable and easy-to-use diagnostic tool, we bridge the healthcare gap and ensure that vulnerable populations have equal access to essential services. This directly addresses inequalities in healthcare access and outcomes.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Community Stability: Better health outcomes lead to more stable communities. When communities are not burdened by frequent and severe malaria outbreaks, they can focus more on development and sustainable growth. Innovation and Technology Integration: Integrating Globin’s AI-powered diagnostic tool promotes the adoption of innovative technologies in cities and communities. This can pave the way for further technological advancements and digital health initiatives. Reduced Healthcare Strain: Effective malaria diagnosis can reduce the strain on local healthcare facilities, allowing them to better serve the community and focus on other health issues, thereby contributing to the overall well-being and sustainability of the community.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

2

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Health Resilience to Climate Change: Climate change can influence the spread and intensity of malaria. By providing a reliable and accessible diagnostic tool, Globin helps communities build resilience to health impacts exacerbated by climate change. As malaria spreads to new regions due to changing climate patterns, effective diagnosis becomes even more critical. Resource Allocation for Climate Mitigation: Effective malaria diagnosis and treatment can reduce the burden of the disease, freeing up resources and attention that can be redirected toward climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. Healthier communities may be better equipped to participate in and support climate action initiatives.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

3

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Collaborative Development: Developing and implementing Globin’s AI-driven malaria diagnostic tool involves partnerships with various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, technology companies, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations. These collaborations are essential for leveraging expertise, resources, and networks to achieve the project’s goals. Global Health Networks: Addressing malaria, a global health challenge, requires coordination and collaboration with international health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Fund. These partnerships can help scale the impact of Globin’s technology and integrate it into broader malaria eradication efforts.

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

3

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

6

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

6

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

4

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

4

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

3

06.08 Justification for my startup

Globin represents a new and innovative way of diagnosing blood-related diseases, particularly malaria. Our AI-driven model leverages cutting-edge computer vision technology to analyze thin blood smear images taken by a smartphone camera, making malaria diagnosis more accessible, especially in remote areas. This approach addresses a critical need that has not been satisfied by existing products or services, especially given the limitations and evolving challenges associated with traditional rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Our platform directly responds to the urgent demand for reliable, quick, and cost-effective malaria diagnostics, providing a solution where current methods fall short. By focusing on innovation and leveraging AI, Globin offers a groundbreaking alternative to traditional diagnostic approaches, meeting an unmet need in the healthcare market and potentially saving countless lives.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Main Competitors: Traditional Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs): Overview: Widely used in malaria diagnosis, RDTs are known for their ease of use and relatively quick results. Limitations: RDTs are evolving to be less effective against certain strains of malaria, particularly Plasmodium falciparum. They also generate plastic waste and require specific storage conditions. Microscopic Examination: Overview: The gold standard for malaria diagnosis involves examining blood smears under a microscope. Limitations: Requires skilled technicians, microscopes, and lab facilities, which are often unavailable in remote areas. The process is time-consuming and prone to human error.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?