Poland-based health tech AI startup Cardiomatics has announced a $3.2 million seed raise to expand use of its electrocardiogram (ECG) reading automation technology. The round is led by Central and Eastern European VC Kaya, with Nina Capital, Nova Capital and Innovation Nest also participating. The seed raise also includes a $1 million non-equity grant from the Polish National Centre of Research and Development. The 2017-founded startup sells a cloud tool to speed up diagnosis and drive efficiency for cardiologists, clinicians and other healthcare professionals to interpret ECGs -- automating the detection and analysis of some 20 heart abnormalities and disorders with the software generating reports on scans in minutes, faster than a trained human specialist would be able to work. Cardiomatics touts its tech as helping to democratize access to healthcare -- saying the tool enables cardiologists to optimise their workflow so they can see and treat more patients.

The French national radiology congress (JFR) kicked off officially on Friday with a strengthened focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. The discussion included an update on an ambitious project to create a national ecosystem in France for AI algorithm development. Dr. Jean-Paul Beregi, head of imaging at Nȋmes university hospital, updated delegates on the current status of France's new DRIM France IA imaging initiative, a nonprofit, independent AI ecosystem. The project has advanced significantly since it was announced last October, according to Beregi. The ecosystem now has a scientific committee and a charter, and is looking at how to move forward with institutional partners.