Samsung Medison buys healthcare focused AI firm Sonio for $92.7M

On Wednesday, Samsung Medison, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics focused on diagnostic imaging technology, announced its intention to purchase Sonio, a Paris-based company that develops AI-enhanced software for ultrasound procedures, for approximately $92.7 million (KRW 126 billion). Sonio.ai, a French startup, has developed an AI tool designed to assist obstetricians and gynecologists in analyzing and recording ultrasound examinations.

In the U.S., its Sonio Detect product, which employs advanced deep learning algorithms to enhance ultrasound image quality in real-time, has gained FDA 510(k) approval. Samsung Medison expressed that integrating Sonio’s software would enhance its offerings in AI-optimized imaging workflows. Samsung Electronics, which purchased Medison in 2011 for $22 million, holds a 68.45% ownership in the medical device division.

Sonio Detect is designed to assist healthcare providers such as obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists (MFMs), and sonographers by enhancing the quality of prenatal imaging. The software significantly facilitates the recognition of essential anatomical features, including the heart and brain, during fetal ultrasounds. This capability helps streamline the examination process and supports healthcare professionals in their diagnostic assessments. Sonio Detect is noted for its precision in identifying specific labels, views, and quality metrics, effective across various patient backgrounds and ultrasound equipment brands.

The software has been rigorously tested on a dataset of 17,000 ultrasound images, demonstrating its effectiveness and consistency. This thorough validation process confirms the software’s ability to perform reliably under different conditions, establishing its role as a dependable option in prenatal diagnostics.

In addition to enhancing image analysis, Sonio also offers Sonio Diagnostics, a tool aimed at bolstering prenatal care. This CE-marked device provides detailed guidance during ultrasound scans, helping practitioners detect and interpret symptoms and anomalies. With a comprehensive database that includes 250 symptoms and 700 abnormalities, Sonio Diagnostics supports medical professionals in delivering informed care and timely interventions, highlighting Sonio’s broader commitment to advancing prenatal health.

Samsung disclosed that post-acquisition, Sonio will operate as an autonomous entity, continuing its commercial expansion and maintaining its product and service offerings in France. Established in 2020 by Cecile Brosset (CEO) and Remi Besson (CSO), Sonio recently garnered $14 million in Series A funding in August 2023, led by Cross Border Impact Ventures. According to Tracxn, Sonio has accumulated a total funding of $27.2 million. Its investment backers comprise Elaia, Bpifrance French Tech Seed, OneRagtime, along with several angel investors.

“We have great respect and admiration for what the Sonio team has built in the area of maternal care. Through the acquisition of Sonio, Samsung Medison will continue to deliver upon our promise to improve the quality of people’s lives with technology,” said Yong Kwan Kim, Samsung Medison CEO. “Collaboration with Sonio will bring together best-in-class ultrasound AI technology and reporting capabilities to bring a paradigm shift in the prenatal ultrasound exam.”

“Samsung Medison’s established global ultrasound business combined with Sonio’s advanced AI creates an exciting growth opportunity for both sides,” stated Cécile Brosset, Sonio CEO. “We have found in Samsung Medison an amazing, trusting partner to pursue and accelerate our roadmap and mission. In addition to close collaboration with Samsung Medison, as an independent company, Sonio will continue to advance medical reporting technology and diagnostic software globally, including for underserved areas in healthcare.”

Featured image credit: Babak Habibi/Unsplash