Mary-Brenda Akoda
GenScan builds AI that cuts MRI scan times by up to 90%, enabling faster diagnosis and increasing imaging capacity without new scanners.
Project
GenScan AI
URL
Year founded
2025
Business stage
Pre-Seed
High-growth sectors
Digital and Technologies
Sector
Health
Location
London
Funding
Highly Commended Applicant
The problem and opportunity
MRI is a vital diagnostic tool but remains slow, costly and capacity-constrained. Existing solutions rely on more scanners or longer operating hours, both expensive and limited by workforce shortages. Scans take 20–90 minutes, and patient movement can require repeat imaging, particularly for children, older adults, and those in pain. With 1.8M people waiting for diagnostics in the UK, imaging delays continue to impact care for cancer, stroke and neurological patients.
The solution and innovation
GenScan’s flagship software, GenMRI, makes MRI scans up to 90% faster on existing scanners (e.g., from 20 mins to 2 mins, from 1 hour to 6 mins), with higher quality and without requiring hospitals to buy new hardware. This allows hospitals to scan up to 10x more patients per scanner per day, reduce repeat scans and backlogs, lower sedation burden (and its related health risks), and enable faster diagnosis, especially for time-critical conditions.
Market and ambition
We are targeting NHS trusts, imaging networks and private providers before expanding globally. Customer discovery across the UK, the US and Africa confirmed demand for vendor-neutral MRI software that improves image quality and extends the life of legacy scanners. We aim to become the global standard for AI-powered MRI acceleration.
Founder perspective
After losing my grandfather following delays in accessing urgent medical imaging, I founded GenScan AI. As an AI researcher and Imperial College postgraduate specialising in medical imaging, I’m building technology to make MRI faster and more accessible worldwide.
Women in Innovation Award
Highly commended applicant of the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award 2025/26, receiving tailored business support, and access to specialist training and networks. View all winners and highly commended applicants from the Women in Innovation cohort 2025/2026.