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Social Tech Trust welcomes 13 startups to its portfolio

Social Tech Trust backs 13 start-ups using AI to help transform UK’s health, manufacturing and resource sectors
19th March 2021, Oxford

Thirteen companies who are helping the UK’s healthcare, manufacturing and resource sectors recover from the impact of COVID-19 have been chosen to join the AI for Social Impact 2021 programme – a partnership between Social Tech Trust and Microsoft.

This is the third time the two organisations have partnered on the programme where Social Tech Trust will support the startups to embed impact management at the core of their organisation, and Microsoft will work with them to develop artificial intelligence solutions that can be used to improve people’s lives and the world around us.

Among those selected to take part in the programme, 85% of the cohort’s senior leaders consider themselves to be from underrepresented groups or as having lived experience of the challenge they are addressing.

The cohort includes Fabriq, a software platform designed to make buildings more sustainable. SafetyNet Technologies has created a device that converts fishing boats into scientific vessels, allowing scientists to have a deeper understanding of the oceans, helping reduce wastage in the seafood industry and assist climate modelling. And, C the Signs is a digital platform that uses AI to identify patients at risk of cancer at a much earlier stage.

Bhavagaya Bakshi, CEO of C the Signs, said: “C the Signs is a purpose driven organisation, founded by doctors, that uses AI to identify patients at risk of cancer at the earliest and most curable stage of the disease.  We are delighted to be selected to join the AI for Social Impact Cohort, where social impact is at the heart of technological endeavour, as we set out to create a future where every patient survives cancer.”

The other startups joining the cohort are:

  • CanSense – accurate, rapid, non-invasive, blood diagnostic for the early detection of cancer
  • CarelQ – chronic disease management platform to help clinicians and patients collaborate
  • e-Surgery – API that enables third parties to offer private prescription medication on their website
  • FollowApp Care – bringing dentists and patients together through personalised digital care journeys
  • iLoF – using AI and photonics to build a cloud-based library of diseases biomarkers and biological profiles
  • Medicspot – Improving remote consultations and making healthcare accessible in every community
  • MediShout – helping hospitals become digitally smarter
  • Neuer Energy – simplifies net zero planning, procurement and transparency
  • Podium Analytics – digital platform that aims to transform the relationship young sports players – and their parents, teachers, coaches and schools – have with injury
  • The Data Analysis Bureau – using machine learning solutions to help organisations have impact

 

The four-month programme offers support on business development, including commercial strategy and raising funds; the fundamentals of AI, including ethical principles, and social impact, including user engagement and managing impact. The start-ups will also receive Azure credits and access to workshops, 1:1 coaching and events to help them grow. They will also receive ongoing support after they leave the programme in June.

Ed Evans, Social Tech Trust CEO, said “As we recover from COVID-19, now more than ever, there is a huge opportunity to transform the way we look after our health, shape the world of work and manage sustainable resources.  This cohort all share a desire to change the world for the better and recognise the valuable role AI can play in shaping our future.  The team and I are excited to welcome these ventures to the Social Tech Trust portfolio and look forward to working with them to deepen their impact on the world.”

Clare Barclay, Microsoft UK CEO, said she was looking forward to seeing the success of the latest cohort. “The passion of these entrepreneurs for solving some of the world’s most critical and challenging societal issues is inspiring,” she said. “I look forward to seeing their success and the impact these great businesses will have on healthcare and manufacturing in the UK”

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