Healthcare Clinical Support Machine Learning Startup OPCI secures £600k in funding

Based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, OPCI develops Machine Learning tools to support clinicians with decision making around elective surgery.

OPCI was founded earlier this year by Justin Green and Mike Reed, both orthopaedic surgeons with decades of experience in the sector.

Following a personal interest in data science, the pair have developed the platform Open Predictor. The software uses a machine learning model, trained on anonymised patient data, to give a predicted risk score for patients due to have hip or knee replacement surgery.

The company has plans to integrate the software in pre-operative assessment process at hospitals, with the goal of supporting the reduction of waiting times for elective surgery.

Having secured £600,000 in investment, OPCI are currently embarking on a pilot in Southwest Wales with Hywel Dda University Health Board, and Swansea Bay University Health Board.

“During my career as an orthopaedic surgeon, I’ve identified an opportunity for the pathway from patient referral to surgery to be improved through technology. With the length of waiting lists having only increased, the need to take advantage of this technology is as acute as ever.”

Justin Green, CEO and Founder

“Our Machine Learning tool Open Predictor has the potential to make a real difference by supporting doctors in their decision making ahead of patient surgery. This funding allows us to continue its development alongside the clinicians, healthcare professionals, and patients it is designed to benefit.”

The funding has been put forward by two investors based in the north-east of England with significant experience in the medical device industry.