EpochZero : Our Journey to Building AI-Powered Diagnostic Support
EpochZero was born out of experience, specifically, first-hand encounters with missed diagnoses in medical imaging. Recognizing how delayed or inaccurate interpretations can directly impact patient outcomes made one thing clear to us: the shortage of radiologists is not just a workforce issue; it’s a systemic healthcare challenge.
In Nigeria alone, over 52 million diagnostic scans are performed every year, yet access to timely expert interpretation remains limited. We founded EpochZero in November 2022 to address this gap by building AI-powered Computer-Aided Diagnostics (CAD) software. Our solution uses multiple AI agents working in synergy, guided by diagnostic radiology first principles, to support accurate and efficient interpretation of medical images.
Building with the Right Support System
As an early-stage deep-tech startup, access to the right environment and mentorship was critical. Our journey with Innov8 Hub through programs such as i-FAIR and Incub8 played a defining role in shaping our growth.
Innov8 Hub provided us with an AI Lab, which became the foundation for much of our technical work—model development, experimentation, and validation. Beyond infrastructure, the business and technical mentorship we received during the i-FAIR 2 program helped us sharpen our product direction, think more rigorously about clinical validation, and prepare for engagement with partners and global programs.
The EpochZero AI Lab at Innov8 Hub also gave us a credible space to demonstrate our technology to regulators, healthcare institutions, and ecosystem stakeholders—an important factor in building trust within the healthcare sector.
From Research to Clinical Validation
With the support and structure provided by Innov8 Hub, we were able to move beyond research and into real-world testing. We secured clinical trial approvals at Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia, and Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH). These trials are now nearing completion, representing a major milestone on our path toward deployment.
Today, EpochZero operates from Abuja, Nigeria, with a focused team committed to improving diagnostic outcomes through AI. As a pre-revenue startup nearing the conclusion of clinical trials, we are preparing for the next phase of our journey—bringing our solution into wider clinical use.
Our experience with Innov8 Hub has shown us the value of an innovation ecosystem that combines technical infrastructure, structured programs, mentorship, and visibility. EpochZero’s journey reflects what is possible when deep-tech ideas are nurtured in an environment designed to help them grow, validate, and scale.