FFUND congratulates the REX-AI Project consortium for securing €900 K Eurostars funding to develop an AI-powered platform designed to revolutionize cardiac diagnostics by enhancing the accuracy of stress ECGs for diagnosing coronary artery disease.
About the Eurostars REX-AI Project consortium
The REX-AI project emerged from the strong partnership between Cordys Analytics, a Dutch firm specializing in AI-powered ECG analysis, Custom Software & Electronics (CSE) from Spain, known for their CE-certified ECG-Expert devices, and the prestigious University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU). Their aim is to address a critical gap in cardiac diagnostics: the high false-positive rate of up to 40% in stress ECGs, a common first-line tool for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD).
Recent studies suggest that these false positives may indicate microvascular, non-obstructive forms of CAD, which typically remain undetected. By combining their expertise, the REX-AI consortium is set to transform cardiac diagnostics, enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of stress ECGs and improving patient care by turning a prevalent clinical challenge into an opportunity for groundbreaking innovation.
What is the product about?
The REX-AI platform will feature an AI-powered software tool, collaboratively developed by Cordys Analytics and UMCU, which harnesses a deep neural network finely tuned with stress ECG data. This innovative software will be complemented by a custom-designed stress ECG device from CSE, engineered to capture and transmit high-quality ECG data in real-time, thus fully supporting the AI’s advanced self-learning capabilities.
This comprehensive solution will not only enhance the precision in detecting and differentiating between obstructive and nonobstructive CAD but also to streamline the entire diagnostic process. By optimizing resource utilization and reducing the reliance on costlier, more invasive testing methods, the REX-AI platform is set to revolutionize cardiovascular disease diagnostics, making it faster, affordable, and more efficient while maintaining high standards of care.
How did FFUND help?
Filipa Marques, Project Lead: “From day one, the REX-AI consortium demonstrated strong drive and collaboration. The team’s focus on a common goal made it straightforward to guide them through the requirements of the Eurostars Call and build a strong case for the REX-AI platform. This aligned thinking and concerted effort are always key in securing necessary funding. Their award is a clear testament to this approach.”
John van den Berg, CEO and co-founder of Cordys Analytics: “Together with our Spanish partner and UMCU, we had a successful collaboration with the FFUND team, which led to securing funding for our innovative solution to support cardiologists with more accurate and early diagnosis of heart disease. This achievement has brought us one step closer to realizing our dream of revolutionizing heart care through the use of artificial intelligence.”
About Eurostars
Eurostars is an international funding program co-financed by the European Union through Horizon Europe. It aims to boost innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe by fostering collaboration among EU countries and facilitating the development of unique products for the market.
