Farmers could screen cattle for bovine tuberculosis (TB) more quickly using artificial intelligence (AI) which examines images of the eye for signs of disease.

'AI for the Eye', an early-stage project developed by founder Michaela Thorne from the University of Edinburgh, was named runner-up in the KickStart Challenge at the Converge Awards for technology being explored as a way to provide rapid, non-invasive screening directly on farms.

The system is being developed in response to bovine TB, which costs the UK more than £130 million annually and is currently monitored using testing which can be slow, invasive and unreliable.

Michaela Thorne, founder of 'AI for the Eye', said: “The money is going to be used to make the retinal imaging prototype for the cattle, which means we will be able to take the device on farm and image live animals.

"It means a lot because we can validate the business and push things forwards.”

She has said that the approach could allow farmers and animal health professionals to carry out an initial check without repeatedly handling livestock, making large-scale screening quicker and less disruptive.

TB testing on farms

By providing results directly on farms, the technology aims to help identify animals which may require further investigation while improving animal welfare and supporting more efficient disease monitoring.

The system is intended to complement established veterinary testing rather than replace it, providing another source of information to support decisions about further examination and disease control.

It's understood the business is currently looking for investment to allow further prototype development and further validation.

AI for the Eye secured its runner-up position through Converge’s KickStart Challenge, which supports early-stage university founders to test ideas, build commercial knowledge and explore how emerging technologies can be developed into sustainable businesses.

Executive director of Converge, Adam Kosterka said: “AI for the Eye is a strong example of university innovation being applied to a problem with very real consequences for farmers, animal welfare and the wider economy.

“For 15 years, Converge has helped talented people transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses capable of delivering meaningful impact.

"Our role is to connect founders with the expertise, networks and opportunities they need to take those ideas beyond the university environment and towards real-world use.”