HyperAIHyperAI

Command Palette

Search for a command to run...

France 2030 Awards Multidisciplinary Consortium POCUSI €6.7M to Develop Smart, Frugal Ultrasound Devices for Chronic Disease Care

A multidisciplinary consortium named POCUSI has been awarded funding under France 2030 to develop next-generation, software-based, intelligent, and cost-effective ultrasound imaging devices. The project brings together E-Scopics, Vermon, IHU Strasbourg, and Inria, representing key French expertise in medical technology, engineering, clinical innovation, and digital science. POCUSI, short for Point of Care UltraSound for Screening & Intervention, is a flagship initiative under the France 2030 plan, aimed at strengthening France’s technological sovereignty in medical imaging. Backed by €6.7 million in total funding over five years—with €4.7 million provided by Bpifrance on behalf of the French government—the consortium will focus on creating portable, smart ultrasound solutions that leverage the computing power of standard computers or tablets. The goal is to democratize ultrasound access, particularly for patients with chronic conditions such as liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). With at least 30% of the global population affected by conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease, the need for accessible, non-invasive monitoring tools is growing rapidly. E-Scopics, a pioneer in software-defined ultrasound, leads the effort with its platform that enables dematerialized, automated imaging. Its first product, Hepatoscope, uses quantitative imaging to assess liver fibrosis and steatosis at the bedside—offering clinicians a reliable, non-invasive alternative to biopsies. Vermon contributes its expertise in designing high-performance ultrasound probes, with decades of experience in medical and industrial applications. The company’s engineering capabilities will support the development of specialized hardware tailored to the software-driven imaging system. IHU Strasbourg brings clinical innovation and surgical expertise, focusing on image-guided, minimally invasive procedures enhanced by digital technologies and robotics. The consortium aims to integrate ultrasound into comprehensive patient pathways—from early screening and diagnosis to real-time intervention guidance. Inria, France’s national institute for digital science and technology, will drive research in artificial intelligence, signal processing, and data analytics to enhance image interpretation and automate diagnostic assistance. Its involvement ensures that the project advances cutting-edge digital innovation while maintaining strong links to real-world clinical applications. The POCUSI consortium represents a strategic effort to build a sustainable, competitive French digital ultrasound industry. By combining software intelligence with frugal hardware design, the project seeks to expand access to ultrasound beyond specialized centers, empowering healthcare providers at all levels—from primary care to remote clinics. France 2030’s broader vision includes fostering innovation across critical sectors such as health, energy, and digital technology, with a strong focus on decarbonization and support for emerging innovators. The POCUSI project exemplifies this mission by advancing digital health solutions that are both technologically advanced and environmentally responsible. Through collaboration among industry, research, and clinical partners, POCUSI is set to become a cornerstone of France’s digital health transformation, helping to position the country as a global leader in accessible, intelligent medical imaging.

Related Links

France 2030 Awards Multidisciplinary Consortium POCUSI €6.7M to Develop Smart, Frugal Ultrasound Devices for Chronic Disease Care | Trending Stories | HyperAI