Three pioneering AI-focused health-tech start-ups sign up for Daresbury science site

Three North West health start-ups are on a mission to transform healthcare using AI at the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory.

Decently, Talk It Out and Leaf AI are among the most recent businesses to locate to Daresbury Laboratory.

From supporting patients with brain injuries to assisting those with dementia, these innovative businesses are now set to bring their new innovations to market quicker, to improve lives and succeed in global markets.

Digital health start-up, Decently, is developing an AI-powered platform designed to help clinicians manage, support and improve lives of patients with brain injuries.

Its platform, Melo, helps clinicians manage challenging behaviours seen in patients with brain injuries, dementia, PTSD, and learning difficulties, to overcome challenges in diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation.

Already in use in some UK hospitals, Melo streamlines assessments and improves understanding of highly complex behavioural needs, to enhance treatment and improve patient outcome.

Decently now gains access to STFC’s leading research and development facilities and expertise, including at the Hartree Centre to accelerate its software development and explore potential for broader healthcare applications.

Digital start-up, Talk It Out, is integrating AI with walking and talking therapy, to help reduce the feelings of anxiety and stress, and enhance overall wellbeing.

It is developing an interactive app that analyses the user’s voice in real time, identifying emotional cues as they express their thoughts and feelings.

By providing useful insights, the app aims to help users gain clarity on their emotions and priorities.

Talk It Out is now advancing the development of its AI prototype, exploring how accurately AI can detect emotions in voices.

Health tech start-up, Leaf AI, has developed an AI-enabled app designed for families and individuals affected by dementia.

The app, Leafstory, helps users to document their memories and life stories, enabling them to share and celebrate these moments with others.

Created in collaboration with the dementia community, Leaf AI is currently trialling its software ahead of an official launch, alongside a suite of complementary apps which support the social care sector.

By joining the site it has gained access to valuable networking and funding opportunities, enabling it to refine its product and prepare for market entry.

Adam Galloway co-founder and CTO at Leaf AI, said: “Having a presence at Daresbury Laboratory lets us work with many other businesses who operate with similar tech to us. We’re excited to grow here and continue our relationship with other R&D driven businesses.”

Paul Vernon, head of STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory, said: “AI has the potential to revolutionise healthcare, and I am proud to support these innovative start-ups driving that change right here at Daresbury Laboratory.”