As our DT Launch Pad training programme continues, we would like to highlight Deep Tech Catalyst track training participant, Simon Jiafeng LI and his start-up. Simon is the Chief Business Officer of AI-Stroke, a French MedTech startup developing an “AI neurologist” to accelerate pre-CT stroke triaging.
Founded in 2022 by engineers, physicians, and former investors, AI-Stroke works to turn any smartphone or tablet into a rapid stroke-assessment tool. Paramedics or triage nurses record a 30-second video; the AI analyses facial symmetry, arm movement, and speech to detect stroke signs within seconds before hospital CT imaging. Built on the world’s largest clinically annotated stroke-video dataset (20,000 videos and 6 million images), AI-Stroke’s system detects two times more true stroke cases in a study with 2,000 EMS personnel. Fully compatible with U.S. pre-hospital protocols such as FAST and CPSS, adoption will be seamless.
AI-Stroke recently announced the completion of a $4.6 million seed round led by Heka, the BrainTech-focused vehicle of Newfund VC, with participation from prominent angel investors and Bpifrance. The funds will support AI-Stroke’s upcoming FDA regulatory pathway and multi-site clinical studies across leading U.S. stroke centres. AI-Stroke has also welcomed 4 world-renowned stroke experts to its Medical Advisory Board. Simon Jiafeng Li is confident that with new funds and this distinguished advisory team on board, AI-Stroke can make AI-powered stroke detection a new standard of care.