Spotitearly: AI & Dogs Detect Cancer | TechCrunch Disrupt

The Importance of Early Cancer Detection

Identifying cancer in its initial stages is paramount to maximizing survival rates.

While multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests are still undergoing research and haven't yet received FDA approval, several options are currently available to consumers willing to pay directly.

Individuals interested in proactive screening can discuss the Galleri blood test, offered by Grail, with their healthcare provider.

Alternatively, whole-body MRI scans from companies such as Prenuvo or Ezra are accessible, though typically at a cost exceeding $2,000.

SpotitEarly: A Novel Approach to Cancer Screening

Soon, a new and distinctive method for detecting multiple cancer types will become available to the public.

SpotitEarly, a biotechnology firm participating in TechCrunch Disrupt 2025’s Startup Battlefield, is pioneering an at-home cancer test.

This innovative test analyzes human breath, leveraging the remarkable olfactory capabilities of dogs in conjunction with artificial intelligence.

The Science Behind Canine Cancer Detection

SpotitEarly CEO Shlomi Madar emphasizes the growing body of evidence supporting the ability of dogs to detect diseases, particularly cancer, through scent.

He notes anecdotal reports of companion dogs alerting their owners to potential health issues before formal diagnoses were made.

Madar, drawing upon his 15 years of leadership experience in the health and biotech sectors, collaborated with three colleagues – including a former K9 unit commander – to create a dependable technology for cancer screening via breath analysis.

How the SpotitEarly Test Works

Users collect a breath sample at home and submit it to SpotitEarly’s laboratory for analysis.

The company utilizes 18 highly trained beagles to identify cancer-specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

These dogs are conditioned to indicate the presence of cancer particles by sitting, and their behavior is then validated by SpotitEarly’s AI platform.

AI-Powered Accuracy and Monitoring

“We employ cameras and microphones within the lab to monitor the dogs’ breathing patterns and heart rates,” Madar explained.

“This data allows the machine learning algorithms to establish a baseline for each dog in the pack, enhancing the overall accuracy beyond what a handler’s observation alone could achieve.”

Clinical Trial Results

Research published in Nature’s Scientific Reports demonstrates that SpotitEarly’s trained dogs can detect early-stage cancer in breath samples with 94% accuracy.

This finding stems from a double-blind clinical study involving 1,400 participants, focusing on the four most prevalent cancers: breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung.

Funding and Expansion Plans

Founded in Israel in 2020, SpotitEarly announced its U.S. market entry in May, backed by $20.3 million in funding.

Investors include Hanaco VC, Menomedin VC, Jeff Swartz (former Timberland CEO), and Avishai Abrahami (Wix.com CEO).

The company intends to allocate these funds to expand its clinical trials, beginning with a dedicated breast cancer test before addressing the other three target cancers.

Availability and Pricing

Madar anticipates that SpotitEarly’s at-home screening kits will be available to consumers through a network of physicians next year.

A single cancer test is projected to cost approximately $250, with subsequent screenings for additional cancers priced lower.

The company aims to offer its multi-cancer panel at a more accessible price point than competitors like Grail’s Galleri test, which typically costs around $950.

The Dogs as Valued Team Members

Madar emphasizes that the dogs are integral to the SpotitEarly team.

He states that all employees are expected to be “dog people,” and that the dogs are provided with ample space for play and companionship, in addition to their roles as biosensors.

Learn More at TechCrunch Disrupt

For an opportunity to learn directly from SpotitEarly and explore numerous other innovative pitches, attend workshops, and build valuable business connections, visit the TechCrunch Disrupt website to learn more about the event, taking place October 27 to 29 in San Francisco.