• AI Diagnostics developed a digital stethoscope and AI-based tool to detect tuberculosis without heavy imaging equipment.
• The Cape Town-based start-up raised 85 million rand ($5.2 million) to expand across Africa and Asia.
• The solution targets frontline healthcare workers to improve early detection in low-infrastructure settings.

South African start-up AI Diagnostics has introduced an artificial intelligence-based screening solution for tuberculosis, as early detection remains a major challenge in regions with limited medical infrastructure and specialist access. The company developed the e-health solution around a digital stethoscope combined with an AI algorithm. The system analyzes lung sounds to identify patterns associated with tuberculosis, while avoiding reliance on heavy equipment such as radiography.

AI Diagnostics, which is based in Cape Town, launched operations in 2020. Chief Executive Officer Braden van Breda leads the company. The tool captures respiratory sounds through a digital stethoscope and processes the data in real time using an AI model trained on thousands of recordings. The system then flags potential tuberculosis indicators and directs patients toward further testing when necessary.

The company stated: “Our objective is to expand nurses’ diagnostic capabilities, reduce analysis time and improve accuracy, while transferring final diagnosis and treatment to primary healthcare facilities.”

The company added: “Our wireless digital stethoscope, our AI model for tuberculosis detection and our intuitive data capture application combine to form a complete tuberculosis screening solution.”

The company designed the device for frontline healthcare workers. It enables broader screening coverage in areas with limited medical infrastructure. The portable system operates offline and significantly reduces diagnostic costs.

AI Diagnostics secured backing from investors and recently raised 85 million rand (approximately $5.2 million). The company will use the funding to accelerate deployment across Africa and Asia.

The company plans to expand its technology to cover additional pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases over time.