RareAI Diagnostics Hub
The specific problem that the RareAI Diagnostics Hub solution is aiming to solve is the diagnostic journey for rare disease patients and their families. The process of diagnosing a rare disease can be a long, expensive, and emotionally taxing experience. Patients often have to travel long distances for multiple doctor appointments and undergo numerous tests, often resulting in a delay in diagnosis and treatment. This can have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life, as well as their mental and emotional well-being.
The scale of this problem is significant, as rare diseases affect approximately 400 million people globally, with an estimated 7,000 different rare diseases. In the United States alone, it is estimated that 30 million people are affected by rare diseases, and approximately 50% of rare diseases affect children. The lack of awareness and knowledge about rare diseases is a significant factor that contributes to the difficulty of diagnosing and treating rare diseases.
One of the main factors contributing to the problem is the limited access to rare disease experts and diagnostic resources, which is often compounded by the high cost and logistical challenges associated with in-person consultations and testing. The lack of efficient and sustainable transportation options for rare disease supplies and treatments can result in delays, waste, and environmental impact.
The RareAI Diagnostics Hub solution addresses these issues by providing a centralized, AI-powered platform that connects rare disease patients and their caregivers with rare disease experts and diagnostic resources. The platform leverages telemedicine and home-based diagnostic kits to reduce the need for duplicative travel and testing, resulting in a faster and more accurate diagnosis process.
The RareAI Diagnostics Hub addresses the transportation inefficiencies and environmental impact associated with the rare disease supply chain by partnering with sustainable logistics providers that use electric or hybrid vehicles for transportation and ensure cold storage conditions during transit. This would significantly reduce the environmental impact of shipping rare disease supplies and treatments, while also improving the overall efficiency and reliability of the transportation process.
The RareAI Diagnostics Hub is a centralized, AI-powered platform designed to connect rare disease patients and their caregivers with rare disease experts and diagnostic resources, including telemedicine and home-based diagnostic testing kits.
The platform works by providing patients and caregivers with a single point of access to rare disease experts and resources, reducing the need for duplicative travel and testing. Patients can use the platform to schedule virtual consultations with rare disease experts, participate in online support groups, and request home-based diagnostic testing kits. The home-based diagnostic kits can be mailed directly to the patient's home, allowing for easy and convenient testing.
The platform's AI algorithms help to streamline the diagnostic process, improving the speed and accuracy of diagnoses. The AI algorithms analyze patient data and medical history to identify potential rare disease diagnoses, which can then be confirmed through virtual consultations with rare disease experts and home-based diagnostic testing.
In addition to providing diagnostic resources, the RareAI Diagnostics Hub also addresses transportation inefficiencies and environmental impact associated with rare disease supply chains. The platform partners with sustainable logistics providers that use electric or hybrid vehicles for transportation and ensure cold storage conditions during transit.
The platform's technology is powered by advanced AI algorithms that help to streamline the diagnostic process and reduce the time, cost, and resources required for patients and caregivers. The platform also utilizes telemedicine and home-based diagnostic testing kits, which can be mailed directly to the patient's home, reducing the need for duplicative travel and testing.
The RareAI Diagnostics Hub solution is a game-changer for the rare disease healthcare space, as it provides patients and caregivers with a single point of access to rare disease experts and resources, reducing the need for duplicative travel and testing. The platform's AI algorithms help to streamline the diagnostic process, improving the speed and accuracy of diagnoses, and the platform's sustainable logistics partners address transportation inefficiencies and environmental impact. This solution has the potential to significantly improve the lives of millions of people affected by rare diseases, as well as alleviate the burden on the healthcare system and the environment.
The RareAI Diagnostics Hub is designed to serve rare disease patients and their caregivers by providing them with access to rare disease experts and resources, reducing the need for duplicative travel and testing, and improving the speed and accuracy of diagnoses.
The target population for this solution is the estimated 400 million people worldwide who are affected by rare diseases. These individuals often face significant challenges in obtaining an accurate diagnosis due to the limited availability of rare disease experts and resources, as well as the high cost and time required for testing and travel. Additionally, many rare diseases are chronic and life-threatening, which can place a significant burden on patients and their families.
To develop this solution, we engaged with rare disease patient advocacy organizations, rare disease experts, and patients and their families themselves to better understand their needs and challenges. Through this engagement, we learned that many rare disease patients and caregivers face significant barriers to accessing rare disease experts and resources, particularly those who live in rural or remote areas. We learnt that many patients face significant financial challenges related to travel and testing, as well as emotional stress associated with the diagnosis and treatment journey.
The RareAI Diagnostics Hub addresses these needs by providing patients and caregivers with a single point of access to rare disease experts and resources, reducing the need for duplicative travel and testing, and improving the speed and accuracy of diagnoses. By providing telemedicine consultations and home-based diagnostic testing kits, patients can receive the care they need from the comfort of their own home, reducing the financial and emotional stress associated with travel and testing.
The RareAI Diagnostics Hub also addresses transportation inefficiencies and environmental impact associated with rare disease supply chains. By partnering with sustainable logistics providers that use electric or hybrid vehicles for transportation and ensure cold storage conditions during transit, we reduce the environmental impact of rare disease healthcare and supply chains.
The impact of the RareAI Diagnostics Hub on the lives of rare disease patients and their caregivers is significant. By reducing the need for duplicative travel and testing, the platform reduces financial and emotional stress associated with rare disease diagnosis and treatment. By improving the speed and accuracy of diagnoses, the platform can help patients receive timely and appropriate care, potentially improving patient outcomes. By addressing transportation inefficiencies and environmental impact, the platform has the potential to improve the sustainability and efficiency of the rare disease healthcare space.
Our team of public health physicians, business experts, tech experts, and supply chain experts is well-positioned to deliver the RareAI Diagnostics Hub solution to the target population. We bring a diverse range of expertise and experience to the table, enabling us to design and deliver a comprehensive solution that addresses the complex challenges associated with rare disease diagnosis and treatment.
Our team lead, a public health physician with a specialization in rare diseases, has extensive experience working with rare disease patients and their caregivers. Through her clinical work and research, she has gained a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by this population and has worked closely with patient advocacy organizations to identify potential solutions.
To ensure that our solution is informed by the needs of the communities we serve, we have engaged in extensive community consultation and engagement. This includes engaging with rare disease patient advocacy organizations, rare disease experts, and patients and their families themselves to better understand their needs and challenges. We have also conducted extensive research on rare disease supply chains and transportation inefficiencies to inform the design of our solution.
Throughout the design and implementation process, we have worked to ensure that our solution is meaningfully guided by the input, ideas, and agendas of the communities we serve. This includes incorporating feedback from patient advocates, rare disease experts, and patients and their families into the design of our platform and actively seeking feedback and input as we continue to develop and refine the solution.
Our team also includes business experts and tech experts with experience in supply chain logistics and sustainable transportation. This expertise has been critical in developing the transportation and supply chain components of our solution, which are essential for improving access to rare disease experts and resources while reducing the environmental impact of rare disease healthcare and supply chains.
Our team is uniquely positioned to deliver the RareAI Diagnostics Hub solution to the target population. We bring a diverse range of expertise and experience to the table, including experience working with rare disease patients and their caregivers, extensive community consultation and engagement, and expertise in business, tech, and supply chain logistics. Through our collaborative approach and focus on community engagement, we are confident that we can design and deliver a solution that addresses the unique needs of this population and meaningfully improves their lives.
- Optimize transportation of supplies and treatments by addressing shipping inefficiencies, cold storage, and last-mile delivery.
- Nigeria
- Prototype: A venture or organization building and testing its product, service, or business model, but which is not yet serving anyone
The team has developed a prototype platform for the RareAI Diagnostics Hub, which includes a patient portal and a dashboard for rare disease experts. This platform has been tested in a limited capacity to ensure that it is user-friendly and meets the needs of patients and experts.
The team has conducted extensive research and analysis on rare disease supply chains and transportation inefficiencies, which has informed the development of the transportation and supply chain components of the solution. This research includes a detailed analysis of shipping inefficiencies, cold storage, and last-mile delivery, as well as research on sustainable transportation options.
We have taken significant steps to build and test elements of the solution to ensure that it is feasible and effective. This includes developing a prototype platform and conducting extensive research on rare disease supply chains and transportation inefficiencies. By building and testing these elements of the solution, the team has demonstrated that the RareAI Diagnostics Hub is more than just an idea.
We are applying to the Horizon Prize because we believe that the RareAI Diagnostics Hub has the potential to make a significant impact on the rare disease community and improve the lives of patients and caregivers. The Prize provides an opportunity to receive funding and support to further develop and implement the solution, which will help us overcome specific barriers that we currently face.
One of the key barriers we face is financial. Developing and implementing a solution like the RareAI Diagnostics Hub requires significant resources, including funding for research and development, technology infrastructure, and personnel. The Horizon Prize provides an opportunity to access funding that can help us accelerate the development of the solution and bring it to market faster.
Another barrier we face is technical. Developing a platform like the RareAI Diagnostics Hub requires expertise in areas such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. While our team includes experts in these areas, the Prize provides an opportunity to access additional technical resources and expertise that can help us refine and improve the solution.
We also face legal and cultural barriers. Implementing a solution like the RareAI Diagnostics Hub requires navigating complex legal and regulatory frameworks, as well as cultural norms and beliefs that may impact patient care and access to healthcare services. The Horizon Prize provides an opportunity to access legal and cultural expertise that can help us address these barriers and ensure that the solution is implemented in a way that is both effective and culturally appropriate.
We also face market barriers. The healthcare industry is highly competitive, and it can be difficult to bring new solutions to market and gain traction. The Horizon Prize provides an opportunity to access marketing and business expertise that can help us overcome these barriers and bring the RareAI Diagnostics Hub to market successfully.
Dr. Umeh has been working in the healthcare industry for over 8 years and has extensive experience in the field of rare diseases. He has worked with several patient advocacy organizations and has served as a consultant to various healthcare companies. Dr. Umeh's involvement with rare disease patients and their families has given him a deep understanding of the challenges they face, such as the high cost of diagnosis, the need for extensive travel, and the difficulty in accessing specialized healthcare services.
In addition to his professional experience, Dr. Umeh also has a personal connection to the rare disease community. He has a family member who was diagnosed with a rare disease, and he has witnessed the impact it has had on their lives. This personal connection has motivated Dr. Umeh to find ways to improve the rare disease patient experience, and it has guided his work on the RareAI Diagnostics Hub solution.
To ensure that the solution is truly patient-centered, Dr. Umeh and the rest of the team have engaged with the rare disease community throughout the development process. They have conducted surveys, focus groups, and interviews with patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to gather feedback on the solution's design and functionality. This feedback has been invaluable in shaping the solution and ensuring that it addresses the unique needs of the rare disease community.
The RareAI Diagnostics Hub solution is innovative and sustainable in several ways.
Firstly, the solution utilizes advanced AI technology to analyze and interpret patient data, providing faster and more accurate diagnoses. This approach reduces the need for multiple trips to different healthcare providers, streamlining the diagnostic journey for rare disease patients and their families. By leveraging AI, the solution can identify patterns and insights that may not be immediately apparent to healthcare providers, potentially leading to new discoveries and treatments for rare diseases.
Secondly, the solution optimizes the transportation of supplies and treatments by addressing shipping inefficiencies, cold storage, and last-mile delivery. By doing so, the solution ensures that patients receive their medications and treatments in a timely and efficient manner, reducing waste and improving overall patient outcomes.
Thirdly, the solution takes a patient-centered approach, focusing on the unique needs of rare disease patients and their families. By engaging with the rare disease community throughout the development process, the solution is tailored to meet their specific needs and requirements. This approach is particularly important in the rare disease space, where patients may face significant challenges accessing specialized healthcare services.
The RareAI Diagnostics Hub solution has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts in the rare disease space. By improving the diagnostic journey for rare disease patients, the solution could reduce the burden on healthcare systems, freeing up resources to address other pressing healthcare needs. By optimizing the transportation of supplies and treatments, the solution could reduce waste and improve efficiency across the healthcare industry.
In terms of market impact, the RareAI Diagnostics Hub solution has the potential to disrupt the rare disease diagnostics and treatment market. By providing faster and more accurate diagnoses, the solution could become the go-to option for rare disease patients and healthcare providers alike. The solution's patient-centered approach also could set a new standard for how rare disease patients are diagnosed and treated, potentially leading to broader improvements in healthcare delivery.
Our impact goals for the next year are to launch the RareAI Diagnostics Hub pilot program in three hospitals in Nigeria and provide access to rare disease diagnostic services to at least 100 families. We plan to achieve this by partnering with local hospitals and medical associations to identify and recruit families who are most in need of our services. We will also work closely with our supply chain partners to ensure that we have reliable access to diagnostic supplies and equipment.
Over the next five years, our impact goals are to expand the RareAI Diagnostics Hub program to at least five other African countries and provide access to rare disease diagnostic services to at least 10,000 families. We plan to achieve this by building strategic partnerships with local healthcare providers, governments, and other stakeholders to scale our program sustainably. We will also leverage the data and insights we gather from our pilot program to refine our approach and ensure that our solution continues to meet the evolving needs of the rare disease community.
To achieve these impact goals, we will take the following steps:
Develop and refine our technology: We will continue to improve and refine our AI-powered diagnostic platform to ensure that it provides accurate and reliable results. We will also work to integrate our platform with existing electronic medical records systems to streamline the diagnostic process for healthcare providers.
Build strategic partnerships: We will build strategic partnerships with local hospitals, medical associations, and rare disease advocacy groups to expand our reach and better understand the needs of the communities we serve. We will also work with governments and other stakeholders to ensure that our solution is aligned with national healthcare policies and regulations.
Develop a sustainable supply chain: We will work closely with our supply chain partners to ensure that we have reliable access to diagnostic supplies and equipment. We will also explore innovative approaches to cold storage and last-mile delivery to optimize transportation of supplies and treatments.
Measure and track impact: We will develop a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to measure the impact of our solution on the rare disease community. We will also use data and insights to refine our approach and ensure that we are meeting our impact goals.
We believe that measuring progress toward our impact goals is essential for our RareAI Diagnostics Hub solution to be effective in improving the lives of rare disease patients and their families. We have identified several specific indicators that we will use to measure our progress over time. These indicators will allow us to track our progress toward our goals and to refine our approach if necessary.
Reduction in time to diagnosis: One of our primary goals is to reduce the time it takes to diagnose a rare disease patient. We will measure this by tracking the average time it takes for a patient to receive a diagnosis from the point of first symptoms to diagnosis using our RareAI Diagnostics Hub. We anticipate seeing a reduction in time to diagnosis of at least 50% within the first year of implementation.
Cost savings: Another important goal for our solution is to reduce the cost of rare disease diagnosis and management for patients and their families. We will measure this by comparing the cost of diagnosis and management for patients before and after implementing our solution. We expect to see at least a 30% reduction in costs within the first year.
Improved access to care: Our solution aims to address transportation inefficiencies and improve access to care for rare disease patients. We will measure this by tracking the number of patients who report a reduction in travel and testing required to receive care. We expect to see at least a 30% reduction in travel and testing within the first year.
Patient and caregiver satisfaction: We will survey rare disease patients and their caregivers to understand their level of satisfaction with our solution. This will include questions about the ease of use of the RareAI Diagnostics Hub, the quality of care received, and overall satisfaction. We will aim to achieve a satisfaction rate of at least 90%.
Reduction in carbon footprint: We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of rare disease healthcare through our solution. We will measure our impact on the environment by tracking the carbon footprint of our supply chain and transportation processes. We expect to see at least a 25% reduction in carbon emissions within the first year.
We will regularly monitor and report on our progress toward these indicators to ensure we are on track to achieve our impact goals. We will use this data to refine and improve our solution over time, making sure we are continuously meeting the needs of rare disease patients and their families.
Our solution, the RareAI Diagnostics Hub, is designed to have a significant impact on the problem of delayed and inaccurate diagnosis of rare diseases. Our theory of change begins with the fact that timely and accurate diagnosis is the key to successful treatment and management of rare diseases. By shortening the time it takes for individuals to receive an accurate diagnosis, we can improve health outcomes, quality of life, and reduce the economic burden on individuals and their families.
To achieve this impact, our solution focuses on three key activities: improving diagnostic accuracy, reducing diagnostic time, and facilitating access to treatment and care. By doing so, we aim to achieve the following immediate outputs:
Improved accuracy of rare disease diagnosis: By leveraging our AI-enabled diagnostic tools, we aim to significantly reduce the rate of false positives and false negatives in rare disease diagnosis. This will be achieved through rigorous testing and validation of our algorithms, and ongoing feedback from medical professionals.
Reduced time to diagnosis: Our platform streamlines the diagnostic process by providing a centralized location for medical professionals to access the necessary resources, expertise, and tools to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. This will reduce the time it takes for patients to receive a diagnosis and enable them to start treatment earlier, leading to improved health outcomes.
Facilitated access to treatment and care: Our platform connects patients and their families to relevant medical professionals and support groups, helping them navigate the complex landscape of rare disease treatment and management. This will help patients receive the appropriate care and support they need to manage their condition and improve their quality of life.
In the long term, we expect these outputs to lead to the following outcomes:
Improved health outcomes: By reducing the time it takes for patients to receive an accurate diagnosis and start treatment, we expect to see significant improvements in health outcomes for rare disease patients.
Increased patient and family satisfaction: By providing a comprehensive platform that supports patients and their families through the diagnostic and treatment process, we expect to increase patient and family satisfaction with their healthcare experience.
Reduced economic burden: By reducing the time and resources required to arrive at an accurate diagnosis, we expect to reduce the economic burden on patients and their families, healthcare providers, and healthcare systems.
Our solution leverages several core technologies to achieve our goal of improving the supply chain and delivery of essential medicines to underserved communities.
Firstly, we use blockchain technology to create a transparent and secure supply chain system. This technology allows for the tracking of pharmaceutical products as they move through the supply chain, from manufacturer to distributor to healthcare provider. Each transaction is recorded on a secure, decentralized ledger, which is visible to all participants in the supply chain. This increases accountability and helps prevent fraud, counterfeiting, and theft, which can be major challenges in the pharmaceutical industry.
Secondly, we use mobile technology to provide healthcare providers with real-time data on product availability and delivery times. Our system is accessible through a mobile application that is designed to be user-friendly and compatible with a wide range of devices. Healthcare providers can use this app to track the status of their orders and receive notifications when products are available for delivery. They can also use the app to communicate directly with suppliers and logistics providers, streamlining the entire process.
Thirdly, we use data analytics and machine learning algorithms to optimize supply chain management. Our system collects data on product demand, supply, and delivery times, which can be analyzed to identify patterns and predict future demand. This enables us to better anticipate the needs of healthcare providers and ensure that products are delivered in a timely and efficient manner.
Finally, we use a cloud-based platform to host our system and ensure scalability and accessibility. This platform allows us to store and process large amounts of data, as well as provide our services to users across multiple geographic locations. By leveraging cloud technology, we can ensure that our system is available 24/7 and can be accessed by users with an internet connection.
- A new application of an existing technology
- Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
- Blockchain
- Software and Mobile Applications
- Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit
Full Time Staff - 4 people.
Contractors - 8 people
1 year
At RareAI Diagnostics Hub, we are committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. Our leadership team is composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including different races, genders, and ethnicities. We believe that a diverse team brings different perspectives and ideas, which can ultimately lead to better decision-making and problem-solving.
Our team's goal is to continue to build a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusivity. We have taken several steps to achieve this goal, including:
Recruitment: We actively seek out individuals from diverse backgrounds to join our team. We strive to make our hiring process as inclusive as possible by removing any potential barriers and biases that may prevent certain individuals from applying.
Training: We provide training to our team members on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This training is designed to help team members better understand and navigate different perspectives and experiences.
Policies and practices: We have implemented policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. For example, we have flexible work arrangements to accommodate the diverse needs of our team members.
Partnerships: We partner with organizations that share our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These partnerships allow us to learn from others and collaborate on initiatives that promote these values.
We recognize that creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment is an ongoing process, and we are committed to continuously improving. We believe that our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion will not only benefit our team but also our work in developing innovative solutions to address the global health challenge we are tackling. By embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we hope to create a workplace culture that fosters innovation and creativity, ultimately leading to better outcomes for our target population.
The business model for RareAI Diagnostics Hub is based on providing affordable and accessible diagnostic solutions to healthcare providers and patients. Our platform uses artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to analyze medical images and provide accurate and efficient diagnosis of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders.
Our key customers are healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers. Our beneficiaries are the patients who receive timely and accurate diagnoses, enabling them to receive appropriate treatment and care.
We provide our products and services through a subscription-based model. Our customers pay a monthly or yearly fee to access our platform, which includes access to our AI-powered diagnostic algorithms, a user-friendly interface for medical image analysis, and ongoing technical support.
Our customers want and need our services because they provide several advantages over traditional diagnostic methods. Our platform enables healthcare providers to analyze medical images more quickly and accurately, resulting in faster diagnoses and more efficient treatment decisions. This improves patient outcomes and reduces healthcare costs.
To ensure the sustainability of our business model, we have several revenue streams in addition to our subscription fees. We plan to generate revenue through partnerships with healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and medical device manufacturers. By partnering with these organizations, we can expand our reach and provide our diagnostic solutions to a broader population.
We plan to generate revenue by licensing our technology to other healthcare organizations and researchers. This will allow us to monetize our research and development efforts and continue to innovate in the field of AI-powered medical diagnostics.
- Organizations (B2B)
RareAI Diagnostics Hub plans to become financially sustainable through a combination of revenue streams, including selling our diagnostic services, securing partnerships with healthcare providers, and attracting investment capital.
Firstly, we plan to generate revenue by providing our AI-driven diagnostic services to healthcare providers. Our diagnostic services will be priced competitively in the market, and we plan to offer flexible pricing models to ensure affordability for low-income patients. We will also explore potential partnerships with insurance companies to ensure that our services are covered by insurance plans.
Secondly, we plan to establish partnerships with healthcare providers, such as hospitals and clinics, to integrate our diagnostic services into their existing systems. By partnering with healthcare providers, we aim to scale our impact and reach a wider patient population. Our diagnostic services will also provide healthcare providers with a cost-effective solution for accurate and timely diagnosis, reducing healthcare costs for patients and providers.
Thirdly, we plan to attract investment capital to fund our growth and expansion. We will target investors who share our vision and are committed to improving healthcare outcomes through technology-driven solutions. We will also seek out strategic partnerships with industry leaders and established healthcare providers to support our growth and development.
To ensure financial sustainability, we will also implement efficient financial management practices, including regular financial reporting, cost optimization, and performance tracking. We will regularly monitor and evaluate our revenue streams to ensure they align with our mission and values and are generating sufficient funds to support our operations and growth.
Our plan for becoming financially sustainable is grounded in our commitment to providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality diagnostic services to patients. We will balance our revenue generation with our social impact goals to ensure we remain true to our mission while achieving long-term financial sustainability.
We have received 2000 USD in in-kind grant.