Nottingham-based AI startup Blueskeye AI, which is developing software to help pregnant women monitor and improve their mental health, has won a national technology award for its work.
The company was named “Emerging Tech of the Year,” by UK tech network, Digital Leaders. BlueSkeye was chosen from a shortlisted field of ten competitors for the award at a ceremony at the Royal Armouries in Leeds on Thursday evening, 22 June.
The Award recognises the development of an innovative technology, design or process that has produced a major improvement in business performance and impacted the market.
BlueSkeye, a spin out from the University of Nottingham, uses AI to analyse minute changes to people’s face and voice over time which can reveal the early tell tale signs of depression. The technology has developed from 18 years of research by founding CEO professor Michel Valstar. The technology has been used by 200,000 mums so far and the company is working with Nottinghamshire NHS Trusts to undertake clinical trials.
Collecting the award for BlueSkeye AI, professor Valstar said: “We’re absolutely thrilled and delighted for BlueSkeye to be recognised for its innovative use of machine learning to help clinicians, patients and their friends and families assess, treat and monitor mental health.
“UK Mental Health is in crisis, around 1 in 5 women experience a perinatal mental health problem and our technology addresses this significant need. We are developing software to the highest, clinical, standards to support clinicians, mums and mums to be.
“Winning shows how far we’ve come since our foundation in 2019. It’s a testament to the hard work and talent of our whole team and a validation of the work we’re doing.”
The Digital Leaders Awards, now in their eleventh year, are designed to celebrate the 100 leading individuals and companies who are working to secure the UK’s digital transformation.
