COMRADE, an innovative AI-powered colonoscopy support system developed at the Medical University of Lodz, has been selected for the Deep Tech Venture Builder (DTVB) programme by EIT Health, one of Europe’s leading health innovation initiatives.

Colorectal cancer causes around 130,000 deaths in Europe each year and is often detected too late. Despite available screening, even experienced clinicians miss early signs — the average detection rate during colonoscopy is only about 25%.

To address this challenge, the COMRADE team, led by Dr. Marcin Talar, is building a smart diagnostic assistant that uses artificial intelligence to highlight early-stage cancer lesions in real time. It connects easily to standard hospital equipment, avoiding the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades.

The product is currently undergoing early-stage validation. The team is working closely with physicians — including the group led by Prof. Ewa Małecka-Wojciesko, Head of the Department of Digestive Tract Diseases at MUL — to ensure the tool meets clinical needs and integrates seamlessly into workflows.

With support from the Centre for Innovation and Technology Transfer (CIiTT) and partnership with The Heart, the project has progressed from a research prototype to a solution approaching market readiness. The upcoming milestones include clinical proof of effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and building a scalable business model.

The DTVB programme by EIT Health offers funding, expert mentoring, and access to a European network of investors and digital health leaders. COMRADE is one of only 17 projects selected from across Europe.

🔗 [Link to EIT Health / DTVB] Deep Tech Venture Builder Programme Call 2025  – EIT Health
🔗 [Link to CIiTT / Medical University of Lodz] Centrum Innowacji i Transferu Technologii

Media contact:
Dr. Marcin Talar
marcin.talar@umed.lodz.pl