BlueSkeye wins national award for software helping pregnant women monitor and improve their mental health

Nottingham-headquartered AI startup, BlueSkeye AI, has clinched the prestigious title of “Best AI Startup” during an awards ceremony held at the Cog X Festival in London on 12 September. The CogX Awards, which are in their sixth year, celebrate innovators and change makers who are having an impact across the world.

BlueSkeye AI specialises in the development of software aimed at assisting pregnant women in monitoring and enhancing their mental well-being, which has earned national recognition in the technology field. The “Best AI Startup” award acknowledges both products and individuals who breathe life into AI and employ technology to offer groundbreaking solutions to real-world issues.

BlueSkeye, which originated as a spinout from the University of Nottingham, leverages AI to scrutinise subtle changes in individuals’ facial expressions and vocal patterns over time, enabling the early detection of signs of depression.

This groundbreaking technology is the result of 18 years of research by its CEO and founder, Professor Michel Valstar. So far, it has been employed by 250,000 expectant mothers, and the company conducts clinical trials in collaboration with Nottinghamshire NHS Trusts.

Collecting the award for BlueSkeye AI, professor Valstar said: “We’re absolutely thrilled and delighted for BlueSkeye AI to be recognised for its innovative use of machine learning to help clinicians, patients, their friends and families assess, treat and monitor mental health.

“Global Mental Health is in crisis, affecting nearly a billion people worldwide and we can help. The impact of our technology goes beyond mental health to encompass other conditions which may be diagnosed through changes in the behaviour of the face. We’re working on technology that could diagnose Dementia earlier, helping sufferers take more control of their condition and access treatment earlier.”

The CogX Festival is the largest event of its kind attracting 90,000 attendees, 500 Speakers and 1000 startups.