{"id":4746,"date":"2025-04-14T10:05:36","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T08:05:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ai4healthcro.eu\/?post_type=ht_kb&p=4746"},"modified":"2025-06-29T19:11:00","modified_gmt":"2025-06-29T17:11:00","slug":"team-jmm-wins-ai4health-cro-innovation-challenge","status":"publish","type":"ht_kb","link":"https:\/\/ai4healthcro.eu\/?ht_kb=team-jmm-wins-ai4health-cro-innovation-challenge","title":{"rendered":"Team JMM Wins AI4Health.Cro Innovation Challenge!"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Jakov Rukavina, Mario Trop\u010di\u0107, and Marko Domagoj Benkovi\u0107 \u2013 the minds behind Team JMM \u2013 took first place in the 2025\u00a0AI4Health.Cro Innovation Challenge<\/a>. Over the past few months, they’ve been developing a prototype application that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect potentially cancerous lesions in breast mammography images.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

The final event of the innovation challenge took place today during the annual conference of the\u00a0European Digital Innovation Hub for AI in Healthcare and Medicine (EDIH AI4Health.Cro)<\/a>. Awards were presented to the three top-ranking teams. The conference was opened by\u00a0Andrea \u010covi\u0107 Vidovi\u0107<\/strong>, Deputy Head of the European Commission Representation in Croatia,\u00a0Hrvoje Belani<\/strong>, Head of the Sector for Implementation and Improvement of Information Systems at the Ministry of Health; and Dr.\u00a0David M. Smith<\/strong>, Director of the Ru\u0111er Bo\u0161kovi\u0107 Institute.<\/p>

Following the opening remarks, the three top teams presented their innovative solutions to a packed audience of over a hundred experts from the health tech, clinical, and start-up communities.<\/p>

Team JMM claimed first prize and \u20ac5,000 with their AI-powered diagnostic tool. Team BreastFriends took second place and \u20ac3,000, while Team Kronos won third place and a \u20ac1,000 prize.<\/p><\/a>

Tackling Breast Cancer with Smarter Tools<\/h2>

Breast cancer still claims over 670,000 lives every year, and early detection is crucial. While mammograms help save lives, doctors are often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of images and data they need to process. That\u2019s where Team JMM\u2019s idea comes in\u2014an AI-powered tool that acts like a digital assistant for radiologists.<\/p>

This year\u2019s challenge drew 106 participants and 34 teams, with 13 advancing to the final development phase.<\/p>

Participants tackled four major AI-related challenges in mammogram analysis. First, they had to train an AI model capable of identifying and classifying breast lesions according to the BI-RADS system \u2013 a key standard for assessing breast cancer risk. Then, they had to develop tools that pinpoint suspicious areas on scans, mimicking the insight of seasoned radiologists. The third task required teams to explain how their models reached conclusions \u2013 a vital step toward uncovering patterns and identifying biases. Finally, they had to design an intuitive and informative user interface that helps doctors interpret results, complete with transparent diagnostic explanations and confidence ratings.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Unique Synergy of Skills<\/h2>

Team JMM attributed their success to the unique mix of skills and expertise each member brought to the table, which allowed them to quickly exchange ideas and make progress.<\/p>

The team members are all alumni of the University of Zagreb, with backgrounds from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing (FER) and the Faculty of Science. Jakov Rukavina is a computer vision specialist, developing advanced algorithms for image analysis. Mario Trop\u010di\u0107, a PhD student at FER, focuses on deep learning algorithms that enable precise pattern recognition in medical imaging. Marko Domagoj Benkovi\u0107, a machine learning expert from the Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, contributed with insights into the latest AI trends and innovations.<\/p>

\u201cWe presented our solution through an interactive interface that allows doctors to process and analyze mammogram images in real time, including the ability to compare new scans with past ones,\u201d explained team lead Marko Domagoj Benkovi\u0107. \u201cUsing advanced machine learning models, the app automatically assigns BI-RADS scores to identify potentially cancerous lesions and highlights anomalies in the images. It also includes visual tools that support the diagnostic process and generates reports that can be saved as PDFs.\u201d<\/p>

Looking ahead, the team says the future of the project will depend on several factors, including potential investments and personal obligations. \u201cIdeally, we\u2019d like to improve the model\u2019s accuracy and add more functionalities to the interface,\u201d added Marko, Jakov, and Mario.<\/p>

The Bigger Picture: AI4Health.Cro in Action<\/h2>

Dr. Bare\u0161i\u0107 also pointed out that AI4Health.Cro does more than run innovation challenges\u2014it supports companies as they go through digital transformation, thanks to its strong network of 16 sector partners. \u201cAs we wrap up the second year of the project, we\u2019re proud to have supported 37 organizations through tailored digital transformation programs, which included training, networking, funding, and testing,\u201d she said.<\/p>

Frane \u0160esni\u0107, Director of ZICER, shared his excitement about the results: \u201cHuge congrats to all the finalists\u2014especially the winners. They\u2019ve created life-saving solutions in record time. We believe in turning science into business, and programs like ours help researchers bring their work to the real world, solve actual problems, and maybe even start a company.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

ZICER\u2019s Tech Transfer accelerator program is opening up again soon, giving scientists the chance to work with mentors, build prototypes, and connect with industry leaders.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Kaloyan Ratchev, founder of the company Vangavis and the Onco-Innovate initiative<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Learning from the Best<\/h2>

The conference also featured a line-up of inspiring speakers. One highlight was Dr. Hemmel Amrania, founder of Digistain, whose pioneering technology has upgraded breast cancer diagnostics by more accurately identifying which patients need chemotherapy, reducing wait times and healthcare costs. His research at Imperial College London earned him numerous awards and investment from major global players including Y Combinator (from over 17,000 applicants) and Harvard Capital.<\/p>

Another highlight came from Kaloyan Ratchev, founder of Vangavis and the Onco-Innovate initiative. He gave attendees a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities for AI start-ups in Europe and stressed the importance of interdisciplinary innovation. As a long-time leader of the AI ecosystem through the European AI Forum and Bulgaria\u2019s AI Cluster, Ratchev offered valuable insights into shaping the future of health-tech innovation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Dr. Hemmel Amrania, founder of the company Digistain<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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