Augere Medical
Advancing Patient Care Through AI-Driven Polyp Detection

Augere Medical set a precedent in 2024 by becoming one of the first companies to secure MDR CE marking for an AI-driven polyp detection system called PolypAID. This globally recognised milestone marks the culmination of a decade-long pursuit sparked by a visionary question in 2014; Could artificial intelligence revolutionise colonoscopy screenings to enhance polyp detection?

The question did not originate in a boardroom but during a meeting of minds. Professor Michael Riegler, a computer scientist at Simula Research Laboratories, approached Dr. Thomas de Lange, a clinician at Bærum Hospital near Oslo, with an idea to merge technical innovation and clinical practice. The conversation soon evolved into a mission to reimagine the intersection of medicine and technology in the service of saving lives.

“At the time, two seemingly unrelated projects were underway; using AI to analyse football matches and exploring polyp detection,” recalls Jon H. Hoem, Executive Chair. “While the value propositions couldn’t have been more distinct, they converged in a shared ambition to push AI’s boundaries.”

By 2018, this vision had taken shape as Augere Medical (Augere; Latin for “growth”), a company founded on collaboration and driven by the singular purpose of advancing patient care through cutting-edge technology.

Polyps Pinned; Precision Perfected

PolypAID bridges the gap between variability and precision in colonoscopy screenings, addressing critical challenges faced by both patients and physicians. For patients, PolypAID offers greater peace of mind and ensures that more abnormalities are detected.

Colonoscopy remains the cornerstone of bowel cancer prevention, yet its effectiveness relies on the interplay of multiple factors—most notably adenoma detection rates (ADR). ADR is a critical metric in assessing the effectiveness of colonoscopy screenings, with higher rates directly linked to reduced colorectal cancer risks.

Detection rates in Norway, for example, reveal a stark disparity. One hospital detects polyps in only 14 percent of patients, while a nearby facility achieves a 40 percent detection rate for a similar patient population. These numbers represent lives, as missed detections equal lost opportunities for early intervention.

“Variability in detection rates often boils down to two key factors, the physician’s experience and patient preparation. While these are crucial, our goal is to standardise excellence in colonoscopy screenings. PolypAID provides a transformative solution, enabling physicians to detect polyps with greater accuracy and consistency,” says Hoem.

PolypAID serves as a second set of eyes for practitioners, providing actionable insights during procedures while seamlessly fitting into existing workflows.

PolypAID’s AI system operates seamlessly in real-time. It deploys a unique bounding box to highlight potential polyps without obstructing the physician’s view. This unobtrusive assistance ensures no abnormality is overlooked, empowering physicians to make quick, confident decisions.

Achieving this level of precision is possible through PolypAID’s algorithm, which leverages a robust dataset built on over two million meticulously annotated image frames. Each frame not only marks polyps but classifies tissue based on a high-quality dataset with histology, moving beyond the binary classifications typical of competing systems. This depth of data enables PolypAID to characterise tissue with exceptional specificity, feeding into an algorithm that rivals—and often surpasses—well-trained physicians in detecting abnormalities.

PolypAID not only improved diagnostic accuracy but also reduces the need for costly follow-up procedures, benefiting both patients and healthcare systems.

PolypAID achieves an exceptional balance between polyp detection and false positives, a key metric for ensuring reliable screenings. With its high accuracy, the PolypAID system outperforms competitors like Olympus’ ENDO-AID and Medtronic’s GI Genius according to a recent publication. Its platform-independent design ensures compatibility with both older and newer endoscopy systems, making it a versatile and widely applicable solution.

To further facilitate thorough examinations, PolypAID offers sector-based guidance by dividing the screen into quadrants to highlight areas requiring additional attention. Even subtle abnormalities are not overlooked. This secondary line of defence minimises the risk of missed detections and enables physicians to deliver more comprehensive care.

Elevating Clinical Confidence

At Ullevål University Hospital in Oslo, PolypAID’s impact was unmistakable. During a routine colonoscopy, AI flagged a nearly invisible serrated polyp just as the physician was withdrawing the scope. Without PolypAID, this subtle but dangerous growth might have gone undetected, leaving the patient vulnerable to serious complications. PolypAID’s real-time assistance enabled the physician to locate, treat and remove the polyp, demonstrating how AI acts as an essential second set of eyes.



Every polyp detected represents a potential life saved, underscoring PolypAID’s profound impact on patients and families.

By minimising variability in detection rates, PolypAID gives physicians the confidence to meet and exceed performance metrics in cancer prevention.

In Norway, patients often remain awake during colonoscopy screenings, making it crucial for technology to integrate smoothly into the clinical workflow. PolypAID addresses the need by providing intuitive guidance that supports physicians in delivering precise care while prioritising patient comfort and minimising stress. Every moment is centred on what matters most—early, accurate detection.

“Cases of bowel cancer are projected to increase by 70 percent by 2040, making advancements in detection a priority. Research shows that even a one percent increase in ADR can significantly reduce cancer cases and mortality. PolypAID directly supports this progress by standardising detection and reducing the variability that puts patients at risk,” says Hoem.

Heart and Smart

Weaving technical brilliance with clinical wisdom defines everything Augere Medical does. From the outset, Professor Michael Riegler ensured innovation was not confined to labs. He brought clinicians into the process early, crafting technology that addresses real-world healthcare needs. This collaborative ethos extends to the company’s leadership, with esteemed experts like Professor Marte Lie Høivik of Oslo University Hospital shaping strategic decisions. Professor Høivik’s extensive research in inflammatory bowel disease and biomarker development brings a vital clinical perspective to the company’s innovations.

Hoem’s career in medical devices also spans over 30 years. The personal impact of Augere Medical’s work further fuels his dedication.

“Why do I do this? Because the technologies we develop aren’t just about business,” he says. “They’re about that specific moment when a physician and patient rely on us for a precise diagnosis. That’s what drives me.”

Reflecting on his early days, Hoem recounts the development of multiplane transoesophageal ultrasound probes — a groundbreaking tool for cardiac diagnostics.

In the 1990s, before the advent of stringent regulations, the project team became the first test subjects. This bold approach pushed the boundaries of innovation and turned the idea into reality. The significance of their work truly hit home when the first patient to be diagnosed turned out to be his high school maths teacher. In that moment, the impact of their creation transcended technology. It became deeply personal.

The team also includes innovators like CEO Dr. Pia Smedsrud, who tirelessly has built the company since inception, Chief Medical Scientist Dr. Thomas de Lange, a gastroenterologist with 30 years of endoscopy experience, and CTO Tor Jan Berstad, who has a robust background in computer science and medical technology. Their combined efforts drive the development of PolypAID and its cutting-edge AI algorithms.

PolypAID achieves an exceptional balance between polyp detection and false positives, a key metric for ensuring reliable screenings. With its high accuracy, the PolypAID system outperforms competitors like Olympus’ ENDO-AID and Medtronic’s GI Genius

Augere Medical proves that influence is not measured by the size of the team. With just 10 dedicated team members, it continues to redefine the relationship between technology and healthcare. Each breakthrough reflects its ability to seamlessly integrate innovation and clinical insight, ensuring that the work not only supports healthcare but actively reshapes it.

Science, Care and Innovation United

Augere Medical is a story of persistence, collaboration and a decade-long pursuit of improving outcomes for those undergoing bowel cancer screenings. Since achieving the CE mark, PolypAID has consistently raised the standards of colonoscopy screenings, combining advanced technology with clinical expertise to enhance diagnostic precision.

It is now ready to take innovation to the next level. With the increasing global demand for precision diagnostics amidst clinician shortages, PolypAID provides a timely solution to ensure high quality care.

“We are starting to penetrate this huge market opportunity and are ready to launch in Scandinavia and Europe,” says Hoem. The European market launch will take place in early April in Barcelona, Spain, during the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) meeting.

Physicians and gastroenterologists across Europe are welcome to visit Augere Medical’s booth, meet the dedicated team of clinicians, technicians and developers and learn how PolypAID can enhance colonoscopy procedures.

“Come by our booth. We look forward to seeing you all in Barcelona,” adds Hoem.

Looking beyond PolypAID,Augere Medical is actively planning to expand its AI-based technology to address other diseases, including Barrett’s syndrome and bladder cancer. These future innovations aim to create a robust platform for early disease detection, extending the company’s impact across healthcare.

Augere Medical speaks to both the science and humanity of medicine, bridging gaps and ensuring no patient is left behind in the quest for better care. With PolypAID, the company redefines what is possible in colonoscopy screenings—offering physicians the tools to detect the undetectable and save lives with earlier interventions.