Philips has announced the expansion of its collaboration with Nicolab, a pioneer in AI-powered stroke care, to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients in India. The partnership combines Philips’ imaging expertise with Nicolab’s StrokeViewer AI platform, marking a significant step toward addressing one of India’s most critical healthcare challenges.
Tackling India’s Growing Stroke Burden
India reports nearly 1.8 million new stroke cases annually, making it one of the leading causes of disability and death in the country. Despite advances in care, delays in diagnosis and access to specialist treatment continue to impact patient outcomes.
The collaboration between Philips and Nicolab aims to optimize clinical workflows, accelerate decision-making, and expand access to life-saving stroke treatments — particularly in underserved regions and Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Integrated AI and Imaging for Faster, More Precise Treatment
StrokeViewer, developed by Nicolab, is the first cloud-based solution in India to receive regulatory clearance for CT Perfusion (CTP) analysis. It delivers instant AI-generated imaging results, consolidates patient data, and enables real-time collaboration between stroke specialists.
When integrated with Philips’ image-guided therapy platform, Azurion, the combined solution enhances clinical precision. Physicians can review DICOM scans and AI results directly on Azurion to assess treatment eligibility. Its 3D planning view allows interventional teams to plan the best access route and viewing angles before procedures, improving both speed and accuracy.
Leadership Perspectives
“Stroke is a growing healthcare challenge in India, where every minute makes a difference to patient outcomes,” said Gaurav Vyas, Business Leader, Image Guided Therapy, Philips Indian Subcontinent. “By joining hands with Nicolab, we are advancing stroke care with a connected, AI-driven solution that empowers clinicians to act faster and reach patients even in underserved regions.”
Michael Macilquham, CEO of Nicolab, added, “Our purpose has always been to ensure every stroke patient, regardless of where they live, has the best possible chance of recovery. Partnering with Philips allows us to support India’s clinical community with AI-powered workflows that connect hospitals, empower clinicians, and reduce time from diagnosis to treatment.”
AI-Powered Collaboration in Action
Nicolab’s StrokeViewer applies advanced AI to analyze multiple imaging biomarkers, enabling faster, more confident diagnoses. The system allows secure image sharing and remote collaboration through a DICOM viewer certified for diagnostic use on both mobile and desktop platforms.
This diagnostic-grade capability ensures timely and informed decision-making — critical when every second counts in stroke management.
Global Collaboration for Better Stroke Care
Philips continues to work with a global network of hospitals, research institutions, and technology partners, including Nicolab, to enhance stroke care worldwide. The company also maintains a strategic collaboration with the World Stroke Organization (WSO) to advance early diagnosis and treatment on a global scale.
