A new startup company, based in ADAPT - the SFI Research Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology at Trinity College Dublin - has secured over half a million euro in funding through the Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Fund Programme.
This programme supports third-level researchers in translating their research into innovative and commercially viable products, services and companies.
The new startup aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with mobility related illnesses.
Led by Professor Vinny Wade, Chair of Artificial Intelligence at Trinity's School of Computer Science and Statistics and former director at ADAPT, the startup company will leverage advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to help people live independently at home for longer.
It aims to develop an AI-driven voice assistant that can help detect early signs of cognitive decline and enable timely interventions that could delay or mitigate the symptoms of cognitive illnesses.
Professor Vinny Wade said the startup will combine innovative state of the art generative AI techniques with personalisation technology to deliver a voice based companion to assist older people live more easily at home or in sheltered accommodation.
"The GenAI voice based assistant will provide continuous care support as well as daily levels of companionship and voice assistance," he added.
Rebecca McManus, entrepreneur and the commercial lead for the startup, said its goal is to address key issues faced by patients, caregivers, and the healthcare system, including loneliness, medication management, cognitive decline, caregiver stress, and healthcare professional shortages.
"This Enterprise Ireland funding will significantly advance our efforts, enabling us to expend our team and prepare for full-scale commercialisation over the next 18 months," she added.
