Costa Rican AinnovaTech uses AI to prevent blindness from diabetes

Costa Rican startup AinnovaTech is tackling diabetes-related blindness with an AI-powered platform that analyzes retinal images to detect early signs of disease, offering a scalable health tech solution with global potential.

Diabetes and Retinopathy: A Growing Challenge in Latin America

Diabetes has become a global epidemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of cases has surged in recent decades. In the Americas, the prevalence has nearly quadrupled since 1990, and Statista projects a 53% increase in Latin America by 2045.

One of the most serious complications of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults worldwide. Early detection is crucial to avoid irreversible vision loss.

Vision Ai: AI-Powered Retinal Screening in Seconds

To address this issue, AinnovaTech developed Vision Ai, a digital platform that uses advanced segmentation algorithms to analyze retinal images. With just two uploaded photos, the platform compares them against tens of thousands of validated images, delivering results in about five seconds. If any abnormalities are found, the patient is referred to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation, significantly reducing the risk of misdiagnosis.

Built to Scale Globally

“We wanted a scalable solution to a global problem—one that could work for any investment fund around the world,” says Vinicio Vargas, co-founder and CEO of AinnovaTech. He explains that:

• Around 30% of people with diabetes develop diabetic retinopathy.
• According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 49% of early-stage diagnoses are incorrect, in part because the condition often presents no visible symptoms in its early stages.

Expanding Across Borders

Founded in 2021, AinnovaTech has already raised $1.6 million and is currently in a funding round targeting $10 to $20 million, with plans to close $3.5 million this year. While the startup began in Costa Rica, it now operates in Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and has established a holding company in Houston, Texas, along with a distributor in India.

The Future of Preventive Health

Beyond detecting diabetic retinopathy, Vision Ai is evolving to screen for cardiovascular risk, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and liver fibrosis, all from primary care. This broader focus aims to deliver comprehensive preventive health reports from a single retinal scan.

“Our vision is for retinal scans to become as standard as checking blood pressure—fast, accessible, and affordable,” says Vargas. The team is also developing its own retinal camera, with a prototype expected soon.

With its AI-powered platform and global outlook, AinnovaTech is not only redefining diabetic eye care but also pioneering the future of retinal-based preventive medicine. As the company expands, it aims to make early detection tools available to millions—one retina at a time.