GenScan AI founder plans national rollout to cut MRI scan times by up to 90 percent using artificial intelligence.
Following her historic victory at the Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation, artificial intelligence researcher Mary-Brenda Akoda is setting her sights on a national pilot for her revolutionary medical technology, GenMRI. The 28-year-old founder of GenScan AI recently shared her expansion plans during a media engagement in Lagos.
The groundbreaking artificial intelligence innovation is designed to reconstruct magnetic resonance imaging scans from accelerated data, allowing patients to spend significantly less time inside hospital machines. Akoda noted that the technology achieves this efficiency boost without requiring healthcare providers to purchase expensive new hardware.
Government officials have already expressed strong interest in supporting the rollout, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria. Education Minister Dr Maruf Alausa pledged to engage the Health Minister and Professor Saad Ahmed, leading to a forthcoming letter of intent for national pilot programs across federal tertiary hospitals.
How GenMRI Reduces Scan Times
Traditional imaging examinations typically require patients to remain completely motionless inside a scanner for durations ranging from fifteen minutes to an hour and a half. Akoda explained that patient movement often forces medical staff to restart these lengthy procedures entirely from scratch.
By utilizing advanced algorithms, GenMRI reduces MRI scan times by up to ninety percent on existing compatible machines. Akoda stated that her ultimate long-term ambition is to shrink scan durations down to just two to five minutes, comparing the process to the quick time it takes to make coffee.
Beyond standard magnetic resonance imaging, the software architecture is fully extendable to computed tomography and positron emission tomography scans. This versatility allows hospitals to dramatically increase their daily patient throughput without upgrading their physical scanning infrastructure.
Clinical Validation and Regulatory Approval
Although the system shows immense promise, Akoda emphasized that GenMRI is not yet ready for immediate hospital deployment. Because the software is classified as a medical device, it must successfully navigate strict regulatory approval processes and comprehensive clinical validation.
GenScan AI is currently collaborating with clinical partners to fulfill all necessary compliance requirements, targeting the second half of 2027 for potential market entry. The company is actively seeking international funding and already maintains strong ties to the United Kingdom through the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme.
Extensive testing has already been conducted across more than 8,800 images, demonstrating up to 99.7 percent similarity with conventional scans. An independent blind assessment by a consultant radiologist at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust confirmed that the accelerated outputs were diagnostically equivalent to traditional methods.
Overcoming High Costs in Healthcare
Medical imaging infrastructure remains a major financial barrier for healthcare providers globally, with high-quality scanners frequently costing between $1.5 million and $3.5 million or more. Akoda explained that her software acts as a cost-effective alternative by maximizing the capacity of legacy hardware.
While GenScan AI has filed a United States provisional patent to protect its intellectual property, commercial pricing structures remain unfinalized. Akoda highlighted that pricing strategies will be carefully adjusted based on geographic location and facility type, ensuring fair access for developing nations like Nigeria.
As the first female and youngest recipient of the prestigious science prize, Akoda hopes to inspire a new generation of young women to pursue careers in science and technology. Her overarching mission remains straightforward, ensuring that no patient ever suffers or dies due to a delayed medical diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GenMRI by GenScan AI?
GenMRI is an artificial intelligence software developed by GenScan AI that reconstructs medical images from accelerated scans to reduce procedure times by up to 90 percent.
Who is Mary-Brenda Akoda?
Mary-Brenda Akoda is a 28-year-old artificial intelligence researcher, founder of GenScan AI, and the youngest winner of the Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation.
When is GenMRI expected to launch in hospitals?
GenScan AI is targeting the second half of 2027 for potential regulatory approval and clinical deployment, pending funding and partnership milestones.
How does GenMRI help hospitals reduce costs?
The software increases the operational capacity of existing compatible MRI machines, eliminating the immediate need for hospitals to purchase expensive new hardware.
