Written by : Nikita Saha
February 3, 2025
Courtesy: BioTwin
These virtual twins help in the monitoring and early detection of diseases like breast cancer by identifying changes in the digital profile that signal potential disease onset.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 Group, has partnered with Canadian digital health startup BioTwin to pilot virtual human twin technology for breast cancer screening. The collaboration was announced at Arab Health 2025.
BioTwin, based in Abu Dhabi's Hub71 tech ecosystem, uses advanced data analytics, machine learning, and biological biomarkers to create digital replicas of patients.
These virtual twins help in the monitoring and early detection of diseases like breast cancer by identifying changes in the digital profile that signal potential disease onset.
Dr Rafal Iskanderian, Staff Physician at the Oncology Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said, "Our partnership represents a significant leap forward in breast cancer screening. It aligns with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's commitment to advancing cancer care in the region by deploying the latest innovations in health-tech, supported by clinical research, global expertise, and state-of-the-art facilities. By leveraging virtual twin technology, we aim to enhance early detection capabilities, potentially saving lives and improving patient outcomes. We are bringing the future right forward here close to home."
The pilot project will run on Microsoft Azure as part of the Microsoft Entrepreneurship for Positive Impact initiative. This program supports startups solving global challenges through access to training, mentorship, and technical resources.
Dr David Rhew, Vice President and Global Chief Medical Officer at Microsoft Health and Life Sciences, stated, "This collaboration exemplifies the power of innovative startups working alongside established healthcare leaders. Through Microsoft Azure, we're helping to accelerate the development and validation of technologies that will lead to better experiences and outcomes in healthcare."
"We are proud of Hub71 startups and their ability to forge impactful partnerships that drive business growth and scalability. This collaboration underscores Abu Dhabi’s vast potential as a launchpad for startup success, particularly in the healthcare sector, which remains a key economic priority for both the UAE capital and the nation," Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, added.
BioTwin’s technology had earlier received research approval from the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, enabling this pilot project to move forward. Hub71 continues to support the growth of health-tech startups in Abu Dhabi, positioning the city as a leading MedTech hub in the MENA region.
Louis-Philippe Noel, Founder and CEO of BioTwin, said, "Our partnership with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi marks a pivotal moment for BioTwin. By combining our virtual twin technology with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s expertise, we're poised to revolutionise breast cancer screening and make a real difference in healthcare."