Bridging the Gap in Early Cancer Detection: The MedSol AI Story

Dr. Kathryn Malherbe, Founder and CEO of MedSol AI Solutions, is on a mission to democratize access to early breast cancer diagnostics. With nearly two decades of experience in diagnostic radiography and mammography, Kathryn’s journey from clinical expert to healthtech entrepreneur began with a deeply personal health experience that reshaped her vision of what healthcare could—and should—look like.

A life-changing brain surgery in 2021 became a turning point. “It prompted me to rethink how I could make a broader impact,” she shares. Recognizing the disparity in diagnostic access across underserved regions, she launched MedSol AI to bridge clinical needs with affordable, AI-powered solutions. The company grew from a personal mission to empower clinicians with smart, affordable tools for early cancer detection.

From Vision to Impact

MedSol AI Solutions, based in South Africa, develops deep machine learning tools to support early cancer detection, particularly in areas where access to radiologists is limited. Their flagship product, Breast AI, uses real-time ultrasound analysis to identify high-risk lesions, improving referral accuracy and streamlining access to biopsy or oncology care, and hence supporting clinical decision-making at the point of care.

“The tool is especially valuable in primary care or rural settings where mammography or specialist access is unavailable,” Kathryn explains. Today, Breast AI is deployed across public and private healthcare facilities in South Africa, with ongoing expansion into Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Kenya.

Navigating Challenges with Innovation

Launching a medical AI start-up comes with its share of challenges. For Kathryn, two stood out: regulatory ambiguity and funding.

“One major challenge is the regulatory ambiguity surrounding AI in diagnostics,” she notes. To address this, MedSol AI prioritized clinical validation through peer-reviewed research and forged partnerships with medical societies and legal experts. On the funding side, the team embraced a multi-pronged strategy, tapping into public-private partnerships and international grant programs.

Measurable Milestones

To date, Breast AI has screened thousands of women, achieving over 90% diagnostic accuracy compared to histopathology. Clinical studies have been published validating the tool’s performance, and the company is now preparing for CE regulatory compliance.

Recognition has followed: MedSol AI was invited to present at the UN STI Forum and the G20 Digital Health Summit, underscoring its growing global relevance. Yet, for Kathryn, the most meaningful success is “seeing our tech in the hands of nurses and GPs in rural clinics—bringing innovation where it’s most needed.”

The Future of AI in Women's Health

Looking ahead, Kathryn sees tremendous potential in point-of-care AI and agentic AI—systems trained on diverse populations to minimize bias. “We believe the future lies in integrated diagnostics that can triage, diagnose, and link patients to care instantly,” she says. As AI regulation becomes more standardized, she anticipates a surge in adoption, especially for tools that prioritize inclusivity and clinical rigor.

Kathryn encourages aspiring healthtech innovators to act boldly:

“Don’t wait for permission to innovate.” She emphasizes the need for more voices from clinical backgrounds—especially women and professionals from underrepresented regions. “Leverage your domain expertise to build solutions with real-world impact, and be ready to learn the language of tech, finance, and policy along the way.”

About the Founder

Dr. Kathryn Malherbe is the founder and CEO of MedSol AI Solutions, and has nearly two decades of experience as a diagnostic radiographer and mammographer. Kathryn transitioned from clinical practice to tech entrepreneurship following a personal health journey that reshaped her vision for equitable, tech-enabled healthcare. Her work has been recognized internationally, including participation in the G20 Startup Champs and collaborations with global pharmaceutical partners. She is also the author of several textbooks on medical imaging and ultrasound, and a passionate advocate for gender-inclusive innovation in health AI.

About Tech4Eva - The Power of Community

Reflecting on her experience with Tech4Eva, Kathryn describes it as pivotal:

“Tech4Eva has been a game-changer for our company—connecting us with global mentors, strategic investors, and like-minded innovators who are transforming women's health. It’s more than an accelerator; it’s a community of action.”

Learn more about MedSol AI Solutions: https://www.medsol.ai