The heart of the matter: Improving the analysis of cardiovascular imaging for better patient care
Circle Cardiovascular Imaging (Circle) is a Canadian company based in Calgary that develops innovative software solutions for rapid and detailed analysis of cardiovascular images, allowing doctors and other medical practitioners to provide targeted treatment plans and improved care for their patients. Since the company's inception in 2007 as a spin-off from the University of Calgary, Circle has grown into a globally-recognized leader in its field, with its solutions sold in more than 90 countries and used by top healthcare facilities worldwide.
The challenge
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death around the world. While advances have been made in diagnostic imaging, including cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and computed tomography (CT), analyzing these scans is often very time-consuming and can delay delivery of critical treatment plans. Aware of the need for more rapid and acurate clinic asessments, Circle set out to create a software solution that would process these images quickly and accurately using AI technologies. Traditional analysis, which takes upwards of 15 minutes, can now be performed in matter of seconds.
How we helped
Circle first connected with the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) in 2009 for assistance developing its early commercial scale protype software. The outcome was a successful scale-up to a commercial product.
This marked the beginning of a fruitful relationship involving 7 R&D projects. The strategic advisory and funding support from NRC IRAP have helped Circle enhance their product with new world-class capabilities and take the company from a start-up to a global leader in cardiovascular imaging.
Early R&D funding
The company was able to develop its commercial prototype of the cvi42 imaging software with advisory support and early-stage funding from NRC IRAP. This work focused on automated tissue characterization from digital images and data mining infrastructure.
Incremental support
From 2016 to 2024, successively larger and more technically advanced NRC IRAP projects helped the company improve its technologies in 4D blood flow analysis, develop a 10-minute CMR diagnosis protocol and fully automate pre- and post-processing of CMR scans using advanced AI and machine learning.
International collaboration
With support from NRC IRAP, Circle was introduced to various international partnering opportunities that helped the company expand its global reach, allowing it to enter markets around the world including Germany, the Netherlands, France and the US.
Advisory services for emerging tech and trends
NRC IRAP provided the company with access to training and advisory services in emerging technologies such as blockchain and AI governance as well as cyber security best practices.
Making connections
NRC IRAP advisors encouraged Circle to identify key customers and health innovation partners in the cardiovascular diagnostic space. Advisors also connected the company to programs such as the eHealth Innovation Partnership Program and to other government departments. These connections enabled the company to build solid relationships with distributors in over 40 countries and attract significant private equity investment to strengthen its position as a leader in the global cardiac imaging industry.
"With valuable advisory services and the right support at critical junctures in our business, NRC IRAP has enabled Circle Cardiovascular Imaging to grow our technology offerings and access new opportunities and markets. This has allowed us to rapidly evolve from a small spin-off into a recognized global leader in the medical imaging and diagnostics field."
How we're helping Canada
Through our NRC IRAP support, we're helping Circle Cardiovascular Imaging make important contributions for Canada and Canadians:
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Creating jobs
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Fostering Innovation
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Exporting globally
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Improving healthcare through emerging tech
Are you ready to innovate and grow? Contact us!
Connect with NRC IRAP by calling 1-877-994-4727 or visit our web page to find out if your business may be eligible for NRC IRAP support.