TAF Class of 2023 - Janet Paluh, University at Albany

Where some see impending limitations, Dr. Janet Paluh sees growing opportunities. The University at Albany nanobioscientist has developed technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help health care providers identify and type tumors and in the future other neurodegenerative diseases of the brain.
Since its invention at SUNY 50 years ago, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized health care delivery. The technology continually incorporates advances in such areas as computer science, data processing, and semiconductors to increase sensitivity, provide better images and improve patient outcomes. Paluh’s innovation continues that progression by leveraging machine learning to provide radiologists and clinicians with a companion diagnostic.
About 40 million MRI scans are performed in the United States annually. Paluh points out that those responsible for interpreting the images are increasingly overwhelmed and may miss a critical detail. “AI provides a helping hand,” she said. Paluh received a SUNY Technology Accelerator Fund (TAF) investment to further develop software and hardware that will make it easier for medical imaging professionals to analyze imaging data and make diagnoses.
“TAF is unique, it is allowing us to complete critical small steps like look at a bigger data set, market to experts, and build a prototype in a short amount of time,” said Paluh. “We have a great product that we plan to launch next year.”
Paluh has taken full advantage of SUNY’s technology to market programs. She said that her participation in SUNY Startup Summer School helped her build relationships with potential investors and customers and gain valuable insights needed to refine the product. She also received expert entrepreneurial coaching from SUNY Venture Advisors and assistance from SUNY Startup Grant Works in writing and submitting proposals for funding to commercialize the technology.
In February 2023, Paluh teamed with Ayan Chatterjee, a research assistant at Northeastern University, and two other colleagues, Amitava Mukherjee and Rounak Chatterjee, to form ITrakNeuro, a deep learning neural interface startup. The cofounders met while helping to create the IEEE SA Standard Data Model for Nanoscale and Molecular Communication systems. Paluh and Chatterjee provided expertise that couples computational neuroscience and neurodevelopment with machine learning, respectively. Both see AI as a way to address not only existing limitations in brain imaging but to also drive medical advancements.
Their goal is to create an interface that will seamlessly integrate the ITrackNeuro software into existing health system computers and technology platforms. While the current focus is on medical imaging diagnostics, the technology could also be actionable, acting as a driver to advance therapeutics. “We’ve only scratched the surface of what this technology can do,” said Paluh. “The TAF investment is validation that we are doing something incredible.”