Avitia, a company specializing in AI-driven molecular cancer testing, has secured $5 million in seed funding from PacBridge Capital Partners. This investment will help scale Avitia’s mission to make advanced genomic testing accessible on-site, eliminating the need for centralized lab testing and improving patient care globally.
With this funding, Avitia plans to expand its presence in key markets and further develop its technology to accelerate cancer diagnostics. The company’s AI-powered testing platform is already in use across Canada, the United States, and Southeast Asia, having processed over 40,000 cancer mutation tests to date.
Cancer diagnosis and treatment are often hindered by long wait times and logistical barriers. According to a study by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), travel distance remains a significant hurdle in accessing high-quality cancer care, directly affecting patient outcomes.
Avitia’s modular AI-driven testing technology enables labs to conduct next-generation sequencing (NGS) tests on-site, reducing both turnaround times and costs. The platform is designed to provide precise, patient-specific results, ensuring oncologists receive actionable insights faster.
“Avitia believes that all patients deserve access to advanced, cost-effective testing, regardless of geographic or economic constraints,” said James Lumsdaine, CEO of Avitia and Partner at PacBridge.
Avitia’s funding will be allocated toward expanding into new global markets while enhancing its AI-powered platform. The company is also developing liquid biopsy solutions, which enable minimally invasive cancer monitoring and early recurrence detection.
“Using minimally invasive liquid biopsy technology, we’ve proven that Avitia technology has the potential to improve patient monitoring as well as treatment response, especially for more aggressive endometrial and ovarian cancers,” said Dr. Jessica McAlpine, oncologist at the University of British Columbia and British Columbia Cancer Agency.
By investing in regional customization and AI-driven bioinformatics, Avitia aims to further personalize treatment options, ensuring that its data-driven approach meets the specific needs of diverse healthcare systems.
Avitia was founded to bridge the gap between cutting-edge cancer diagnostics and clinical accessibility. The company leverages technology originally developed by Imagia Canexia Health in Quebec, in collaboration with Mila, the Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute.
Avitia’s AI/ML platform provides cancer centers with automated NGS capabilities, allowing oncologists to perform molecular testing directly within their own facilities. The company’s vision is to empower local healthcare providers with rapid, cost-effective solutions that ensure timely and effective treatment for cancer patients.
“Greater Montréal is a world-renowned hub for artificial intelligence and life sciences,” said Stéphane Paquet, President and CEO, Montréal International. “Avitia’s project supports the retention of highly qualified talent while deploying locally developed, lifesaving technology.”
PacBridge Capital Partners, the lead investor in this seed round, specializes in funding high-growth healthcare and AI companies. Founded in 2009, PacBridge has a track record of investing in firms that later list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and Nasdaq.
Mila, a globally recognized AI research center, has also partnered with Avitia to enhance its AI-driven diagnostics. “As AI continues to play a growing role in healthcare, its accuracy and reliability remain critical,” said Stéphane Létourneau, Executive Vice-President of Mila. “We are pleased to welcome Avitia as a Mila partner.”
With this strong network of investors and collaborators, Avitia is well-positioned to lead the transformation of global cancer diagnostics.
