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Piramidal: the AI that changes brain monitoring in hospitals
Innovative model for EEG analysis aims to standardize and improve detection of abnormalities in intensive care unit
Isabella V24 August 2024

 


 A startup, Piramidal, is developing a fundamental AI model for analyzing brain waves through electroencephalograms (EEG). This tool could significantly improve patient monitoring in critical hospital settings by making data interpretation more accessible and consistent.

Key points:
1. Piramidal has developed an AI model for automated analysis of EEG data.
2. The model aims to standardize and improve the detection of brain abnormalities regardless of the type of EEG machine used.
3. The technology is currently being tested in four pilot projects in intensive care units.
4. The startup has received an initial funding of $6 million to support the development and scalability of the model.


Piramidal, a promising technology startup, is establishing itself in the field of computational neurology with the development of an innovative AI model designed for automated analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) data. Founders Dimitris Sakellariou and Kris Pahuja, with a strong background in neurology and data analysis, identified a significant gap in the way EEGs are currently interpreted in hospitals. Despite the widespread use of this brain-monitoring technology, the variety of machines and configurations in healthcare facilities creates fragmentation that requires highly specialized and often not readily available interpretation. The idea behind Piramidal is to create a fundamental model that, like a common language for brain waves, can be applied to any EEG configuration, regardless of the number of electrodes or type of equipment used. This model, currently under development, could automatically detect brain patterns that indicate critical conditions such as seizures or strokes, providing crucial support for nurses and physicians, especially in intensive care settings where time and accuracy are vital factors.

One of the most innovative aspects of the Piramidal project is the approach the startup has taken in developing the model. Unlike many others in the AI field, Sakellariou and Pahuja do not intend to simply develop a model and make it available through an API, but aim to create a scalable code base that can adapt and improve with use. The initial version of the model has already been completed and tested, and is expected to be deployed to various hospitals by early next year. Four pilot projects, in collaboration with various intensive care units, represent the next phase, in which the technology will be evaluated in real-world, complex settings, with the goal of demonstrating its effectiveness in improving patient care.

The Piramidal project is supported by an initial funding round of $6 million, co-led by Adverb Ventures and Lionheart Ventures, with participation from Y Combinator. These funds will be crucial to cover the high costs associated with processing the data needed to train the model, as well as to expand the team. The startup has already accumulated a substantial archive of EEG data, integrating several open source sources and collaborating with hospitals to obtain additional high-quality clinical data.

Piramidal’s long-term goal is to further refine the model, expanding its capabilities to exceed human diagnostic accuracy. However, the founders are aware that even without reaching this threshold, their model could already make a significant contribution to medicine by improving the quality of monitoring and, consequently, patient care. The potential impact of this technology, if successfully implemented, could extend far beyond current applications, providing a powerful tool for a range of neurological conditions.

 Piramidal stands as one of the most exciting startups in the medical innovation landscape, with a project that, although still in its infancy, promises to bring significant benefits to the healthcare industry.