Nicolab, a provider of digital telehealth solutions for advancing stroke workflow, and Wellumio, a medical device company specialising in portable imaging technology, have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU).
This strategic collaboration aims to explore the integration of Wellumio’s Axana portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device with Nicolab’s StrokeViewer platform to enhance rapid stroke diagnosis and streamline clinical workflows. The partnership marks a significant step forward in improving stroke care by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI)-powered image analysis and portable imaging to provide real-time decision support for clinicians, as per a joint press release from the two companies.
The release goes on to claim that, by bringing advanced imaging directly to the point of care, this collaboration has the potential to significantly reduce treatment delays and improve patient outcomes—particularly in regional and remote areas.
Nicolab’s StrokeViewer is a “globally recognised” platform that enables seamless image sharing, AI-driven stroke detection, and remote decision-making support for clinicians, while Wellumio’s Axana device—currently undergoing clinical trials in Australia—is designed to provide fast, high-quality portable imaging, enabling earlier intervention and improved stroke triage.
The release adds that this collaboration comes at a pivotal time for Nicolab following its recent success in securing a standing offer arrangement (SOA) with Queensland Health (Brisbane, Australia) to deploy StrokeViewer across 36 hospitals, making it the largest AI-powered stroke imaging rollout in Australia. This initiative—part of Queensland’s US$5.8 million annual telestroke service—will potentially provide life-saving stroke care to more than two million regional and remote people in the state.
“We are excited to explore this collaboration with Wellumio,” said Michael Macilquham, chief executive officer (CEO) at Nicolab. “The combination of our AI-powered StrokeViewer solution with Wellumio’s cutting-edge portable imaging technology has the potential to revolutionise stroke care, ensuring patients receive the fastest and most accurate diagnosis possible. With our recent Queensland Health deployment, we are further demonstrating the power of AI-driven stroke diagnosis to transform patient outcomes across the country.”
“Our Axana device is designed to bring critical imaging closer to patients, and integrating it with StrokeViewer could provide clinicians with unprecedented access to real-time stroke diagnostics and decision-making tools,” added Shiek Tzeng, co-founder and CEO at Wellumio. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance stroke care accessibility and efficiency.”
The recently signed MOU outlines the establishment of a joint steering committee to oversee the feasibility assessment of the integration, covering technical requirements, clinical pathways, and commercial models. Both parties will collaborate to explore funding opportunities and regulatory pathways to support the potential deployment of this combined solution. The release concludes by stating that, in consolidating expertise in AI-driven telehealth solutions and point-of-care imaging, Nicolab and Wellumio are poised to set a “new standard” for stroke care in Australia, and beyond.
