OSO-AI wins EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Western France.

OSO-AI has been named Startup of the Year in Western France, a prestigious distinction awarded as part of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award. This recognition highlights the company's innovative 'Augmented Ear for Caregivers' solution, which is now poised to conquer international markets, including Japan.

By 2050, individuals aged 65 and over are projected to represent between 25% and 33% of the population in developed countries such as France, South Korea, and Japan. This demographic shift will result in a significant increase in chronic diseases, dependency, and pressure on healthcare systems.

To meet these growing needs, OSO-AI, a startup based in Brest, France, has developed an innovative device, leveraging the research of Claude Berrou, a member of the French Academy of Sciences. This device is designed to enhance patient care and improve the working lives of caregivers.

Sound environment analysis

Named the 'augmented ear for caregivers', this tool, thanks to artificial intelligence, is capable of analyzing the sound environment of complex settings such as nursing homes, accommodations for people with disabilities, or any other living space. It detects signs of danger, such as cries, falls, or vomiting, and alerts caregivers.

This augmented ear solution reduces the burden of time-consuming tasks for teams, such as routine rounds, thereby improving 'the quality of care and patient comfort,' as stated by Philippe Roguedas, 49, co-founder of Oso-AI, along with Gilles Debunne, 52, and Olivier Menut, 49.

To accelerate its development and commercialization, Oso-AI has raised a total of 14 million euros in two successive fundraising rounds from Innovacom, Breizh Up, and Cemag Invest. This funding has enabled the startup to build a team of 55 employees and refine its tool's functionalities.

Going global

“We have enhanced our alert system, and we have also made further progress in respiratory monitoring thanks to our work with the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris,” explains the CEO.

Already present in Monaco and Switzerland, Oso-AI is set to expand into Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands by the end of the year. The Breton startup will be participating for the first time in a medical trade show in Japan in October, a country for which it has recruited a sales manager with 20 years of experience. 'The growth prospects in this region are very strong,' estimates Philippe Roguedas.

Given the initial success of this innovation on the market, Oso-AI, which does not disclose its revenue, aims to sell 100,000 Augmented Ears for caregivers in France within the next five years.

*The 32nd Entrepreneur of the Year Award is organized by EY in partnership with Edmond de Rothschild, Samsic, Steelcase, and Verlingue, with the support of Bpifrance.