MRI
By Lilian U. Okoro
Lagos, Oct. 13, 2026 (NAN) Mary-Brenda Akoda, winner of the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation, has developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) know-how that reduces Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan time by as much as 90 per cent.
Akoda, an AI Research Scientist, Founder of Genscan AI and former Microsoft Engineer, disclosed this on the public presentation of the 2026 prize winner organised by Nigeria LNG Ltd. (NLNG) on Tuesday in Lagos.
She stated the know-how, known as GenMRI, was developed to deal with delays in medical analysis attributable to restricted MRI scanners, excessive gear prices and prolonged scanning procedures in healthcare amenities.
Akoda defined that the concept was birthed following the expertise of an aged relative who suffered a stroke and required an pressing scan however encountered lengthy procedures and subsequently died.
“Sadly, his story isn’t unique. Worldwide, someone suffers a stroke every two seconds, and it kills over 6.5 million people annually, while cancer kills over 10 million,” she stated.
According to her, typical MRI scans can take between quarter-hour and one and a half hours, relying on the process, whereas high-quality scanners price between 1.5 million {dollars} and three.5 million {dollars}.
She stated GenMRI used AI to reconstruct diagnostic-quality pictures from fewer scan knowledge, lowering a 20-minute process to about two minutes and an hour-long scan to roughly six minutes.
Akoda stated the know-how had been retrospectively validated utilizing greater than 8,800 MRI pictures, with findings printed in peer-reviewed papers offered at main conferences.
She added {that a} blinded evaluation by a advisor radiologist at Buckinghamshire NHS Hospital within the United Kingdom discovered the GenMRI pictures diagnostically equal to traditional MRI pictures in all circumstances assessed.
“The most significant challenge was ensuring that we weren’t just building an AI system that could create any MRI image, but that it was anchored in the patient’s data,” she stated.
Akoda stated Genscan AI was working with scientific companions within the UK, the United States, Kenya and Nigeria to undertake broader scientific validation, safe regulatory approval and conduct pilot deployments, focusing on wider deployment by the second half of 2027.
She stated the corporate additionally wanted extra scientific companions and well being innovation funders to help the know-how’s adoption in hospitals.
Earlier, Dr Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development and Senior Management Executive at NLNG, in her welcome speech, reiterated NLNG’s dedication to inspiring native options to healthcare techniques and celebrating scientific excellence.
According to her, the concept goals to see how efficient innovation and correct analysis can enhance well being outcomes.
The occasion featured goodwill messages the place related organisations applauded the innovation and appreciated NLNG for the initiative.(NAN)www.nannews.ng
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
