The NLC Health Impact Fund

Nicolab tackles the challenge of stroke diagnosis and treatment by offering computational support through their portfolio of six algorithms. These algorithms analyze radiological images of acute stroke patients, providing fast and objective interpretation for physicians. With stroke affecting millions annually and significant economic burdens, Nicolab's solution improves decision-making speed and accuracy, allowing clinicians to assess stroke severity objectively and make timely treatment decisions.

The challenge with lung cancer lies in its late detection, often leading to unfortunate outcomes. Current screening methods like low-dose CT scans are costly and have radiation risks, while blood tests lack accuracy or are too expensive. Our solution offers a non-invasive blood test that detects lung cancer early with high sensitivity and specificity. This test, with its multi-protein panel, can identify even stage I cancer, improving survival rates and reducing unnecessary procedures.

Epilepsy causes uncontrolled seizures, greatly reducing quality of life and sometimes leading to early death. Over 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, but only two-thirds respond to medication. For those with drug-resistant epilepsy, treatment options are limited and often ineffective. MIR Therapeutics is developing a new gene therapy to provide lasting and powerful seizure control for drug-resistant epilepsy patients. Their therapy delivers microRNA-335 to the affected brain regions using an AAV9 viral vector, which helps control hyperexcitability by regulating voltage-gated sodium channels. This results in fewer and less severe seizures.

Nilocas offers a revolutionary solution for detecting coronary artery disease non-invasively and without radiation. Patients wear a lightweight chest patch that captures the sounds of turbulent blood flow through arteries using microphones and accelerometers. Advanced machine learning and AI rapidly analyze the data, providing a clear diagnosis in just 10 minutes. This innovation eliminates the need for costly and invasive procedures, making cardiac diagnosis more accessible in both clinical and non-clinical settings.

MindAffect is redefining what’s possible in diagnostics. By harnessing Brain-Computer Interface technology and AI, we can “read” how the brain reacts to sound and visual stimuli—objectively, in real time, and without requiring a single response from the patient. At the core is our patented and clinically validated Rapid CAEP® technology, which captures the brain’s automatic reactions. This breakthrough allows clinicians to diagnose patients who would otherwise be difficult or impossible to test—such as infants, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. In a world where over two billion people are underserved by current diagnostic methods, this changes everything. Our first product, Sofi, is the world’s fastest objective hearing diagnostic system, delivering accurate hearing thresholds in minutes. Sofi has been validated in leading hospitals, championed by key opinion leaders across the audiology community, and recognized globally—winning the Innovation Award at the World Congress of Audiology

MLA Diagnostics improves melanoma diagnosis, offering personalized measurement of malignancy levels. Traditional diagnosis often leads to overtreatment or undertreatment, resulting in patient distress or undetected cancer progression. By analyzing methylation, our test provides accurate prognosis, enabling tailored treatment plans and saving lives. With the melanoma therapeutics market on the rise, our innovative solution is poised to make a significant impact, improve patient outcomes and create opportunities.

StarTric, created by cardiovascular experts, developed a new, less invasive device to fix a serious heart valve problem, Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR). Addressing Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR), a severe condition with high mortality rates, StarTric's device offers a safer alternative to open-heart surgery. The technology can be implanted via a transfemoral catheter, combining the safety of minimally invasive methods with the proven efficacy of the Clover technique, aiming to provide effective treatment to millions of TR patients worldwide who currently lack suitable options.

OCCLUNOVA introduces a novel solution for chronic atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition affecting millions worldwide where the heart's upper chambers beat irregularly. Their implantable device aims to prevent strokes associated with AF by sealing off the left atrial appendage (LAA), where blood clots often form. Unlike traditional methods, which can cause complications due to their rigid frame, OccluNova's design uses a flexible balloon to fully seal the LAA. This innovative approach minimizes risks like pericardial effusions and incomplete closure, offering a safer option for AF patients.