Barcelona-based Sycai Medical has closed a €3M funding round backed by LUMO Labs, Ship2B Ventures, Athos Capital, and Namarel Ventures.
The funds will accelerate the development and deployment of their AI-driven digital medical device, which identifies early-stage cancer and pre-malignant lesions in the abdomen using medical imaging, avoiding invasive procedures.
The technology aims to improve early detection of pancreatic, kidney, and liver cancers, which are among the deadliest due to late diagnosis.
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Sven Bakkes, founding partner of LUMO Labs, says, “Eary diagnosis and targeted cures are key for the quality of life of a patient but also improve the circumstances for caregivers and even the efficiency of how our healthcare system is organised.”
“We have looked at similar research and technologies across Europe and concluded that the accuracy, hardware-agnostic approach, and scalability of Sycai Medical is unmatched.”
Jorge Blasco, Partner at LUMO Labs for Spain and Portugal, adds, “Also the commitment and drive of the team is exceptional. From the very start of the development of the product they were present directly in hospitals and listening to doctors and patients non-stop to make sure they were building something that really helps people. I am very much looking forward to working with them on behalf of LUMO here in Barcelona.”
Founded in 2020 by Sara Toledano, Javier García and Júlia Rodríguez during the pandemic, Sycai Medical focuses on leveraging technology to support doctors and patients.
Incubated at Barcelona Activa, the company develops tools to assist radiologists and healthcare professionals in the early diagnosis of abdominal cancer. Its product detects and characterises pre-malignant lesions while they are still benign and automates patient monitoring.
Sycai Medical’s platform proactively detects lesions and pathologies in medical imaging, even when radiologists do not actively seek them. Unlike traditional applications, it analyses all imaging tests, regardless of the initial purpose.
The software enables early diagnosis, automates patient monitoring, and supports oncologic care by quantifying treatment responses. Additionally, it enhances precision by identifying benign lesions unlikely to develop into cancer, improving patient outcomes and care efficiency.
Sycai Medical is active in Spain and Italy. In 2023, the company completed its first clinical trial and obtained CE certification under MDR for its pancreas application in mid-2024.
The funds will support the European launch of Sycai Medical’s approved digital medical device, the extension of its certified product to include the detection of hepatic and renal lesions alongside pancreatic lesions, and the validation of the product in the US to secure FDA approval.
Sara Toledano, Sycai CEO and co-founder, says, “Successfully completing this investment round marks a significant milestone for us at a very strategic moment in the company’s evolution.”
“We are currently undergoing a transformation from a product-driven to a business-driven organisation, due to the MDR approval and initiation of commercial activities. We are confident that our new investors will play a pivotal role in fostering a refreshed mindset to support this transition.”
