In a breakthrough development, Colombian startup Salva Health has created a portable breast cancer detector, Julietta, which is poised to revolutionize healthcare in Latin America and beyond. Founded by Valentina Agudelo, the company aims to address the significant gap in breast cancer survival rates between Latin America and developed countries.

Julietta is a small, non-invasive device that measures tissue density and provides results within minutes to a phone, tablet, or computer. Unlike mammograms, Julietta is not a substitute for diagnosis but a screening tool designed to detect abnormalities and assess the likelihood of malignancy. This innovative device has the potential to improve early detection and treatment of breast cancer, particularly in rural areas where access to mammograms is limited.

Salva Health has partnered with Grupo Sura, a major Colombian insurance company, to conduct clinical trials and develop an AI model capable of predicting breast cancer risk. The company is close to receiving approval from Colombia's INVIMA (National Institute for Drug and Food Surveillance) and plans to distribute Julietta throughout Latin America once approved.

The startup's ambitious plans don't stop there. Agudelo aims to request FDA acknowledgment of INVIMA's approval, paving the way for expansion into the US market. Additionally, Salva Health plans to explore approvals in emerging markets such as Africa and India.

What sets Salva Health apart is its innovative hardware-as-a-service business model, where the device is provided for free, and health payors are charged for each screening. This approach allows the company to retain control of the device and data, enabling continuous improvement.

As Salva Health expands its reach, it's also exploring solutions for early detection of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, further solidifying its position as a pioneer in the healthtech space. With Julietta, the company is poised to make a significant impact on global healthcare, improving lives and outcomes for millions of people worldwide.