DIAGNOS and ÉTS Announce $1M+ Federal Investment to Propel Next-Generation Retinal AI Innovation
MWN-AI** Summary
On February 4, 2026, Diagnos Inc. (DIAGNOS), based in Brossard, Quebec, announced a significant federal investment exceeding $1 million CAD to elevate its efforts in developing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) for retinal image analysis. This initiative, in partnership with the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS), represents a noteworthy collaboration within Canada’s research ecosystem aimed at enhancing the early detection of critical eye-related health issues.
The funding includes a notable contribution from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), which has allocated $725,734 over the next five years through its Alliance Grant program to support rigorous research and discovery costs. Additionally, Mitacs will contribute $293,331 to fund specialized internships, fostering collaboration between industry and academia. Together, these resources will back eight Highly Qualified Personnel, including graduate and postdoctoral researchers focused on cutting-edge AI methodologies.
DIAGNOS is matching these contributions with $500,000 over five years, as part of a strategic initiative that includes establishing an industrial research chair at ÉTS. André Larente, President and CEO of DIAGNOS, stated that this funding would expand the company’s research capabilities and significantly enhance its clinical and commercial impact in retinal AI development.
Under the project titled "Towards the Next Generation of Deep Learning Algorithms for Retinal Image Analysis," the team aims to enhance accuracy and clinical relevance in detecting retinal diseases. This collaboration not only highlights the scientific quality of their work but also strengthens DIAGNOS’ position as a leader in medical AI, as they work to translate academic advancements into practical applications for improved patient outcomes.
MWN-AI** Analysis
DIAGNOS Inc. (TSX Venture: ADK, OTCQB: DGNOF) recently secured a significant federal investment exceeding $1 million CAD, a development indicative of the company’s commitment to advancing AI-driven healthcare solutions, particularly for retinal health. This funding, bolstered by contributions from the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) and various innovation councils, positions DIAGNOS as a frontrunner in the burgeoning market for AI applications in healthcare.
From an investment perspective, DIAGNOS presents an intriguing opportunity. The collaboration with ÉTS, focused on developing advanced deep learning algorithms for retinal image analysis, enhances the company's research capabilities. With funding from reputable sources like the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Mitacs, DIAGNOS is underlined by a robust scientific foundation, promoting long-term trust among stakeholders.
Moreover, the engagement of Highly Qualified Personnel (HQPs) through this initiative signifies DIAGNOS's investment in talent, which is crucial for driving innovation in the competitive healthcare AI sector. With eight new research professionals on board, the capacity for accelerated development and deployment of clinical solutions is expected to increase significantly.
Given the current trajectory of DIAGNOS, potential investors should consider the following factors: the scalability of its AI applications, competitive positioning within the eye care sector, and the capability to leverage partnerships for commercialization. The focus on real-world clinical deployment of AI solutions not only aligns with industry trends towards automation and enhanced diagnostic precision but may also bolster patient outcomes, thereby improving market adoption.
While forward-looking information carries inherent risks, the combination of federal support, institutional collaboration, and a dedicated research agenda positions DIAGNOS favorably. Investors are encouraged to monitor ongoing developments and consider the long-term potential of DIAGNOS as it continues to lead in the integration of AI in healthcare.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
BROSSARD, Quebec, Feb. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diagnos Inc. (“DIAGNOS” or the “Corporation”) (TSX Venture: ADK, OTCQB: DGNOF, FWB: 4D4A), a company dedicated to the early detection of critical eye-related health issues using advanced technology based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) today announced a major federal investment exceeding 1 Million to accelerate the development of next-generation artificial intelligence for retinal image analysis.
The initiative underscores the strength of Canada’s research ecosystem and DIAGNOS’ strategy to advance clinically meaningful AI solutions for eye health. The project represents a robust, multi-year commitment from the Canadian innovation ecosystem, combining scientific excellence, talent development, and industry collaboration:
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has committed $725,734 over five years through its Alliance Grant program to support advanced research activities and core discovery costs.
- Mitacs will contribute $293,331 to fund specialized Accelerate internships, reinforcing industry–academic collaboration.
- Talent Development: The funding supports eight (8) Highly Qualified Personnel (HQPs)—including five graduate students and three postdoctoral researchers—who will develop state-of-the-art expertise and algorithms at the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare.
DIAGNOS Contribution
DIAGNOS is providing financial and in-kind contributions matching the NSERC-Mitacs Alliance grant, via the establishment of an industrial research Chair at the ÉTS. The company's financial contribution amounts to $500,000 over five years (equivalent to $100,000 per year), supporting the execution of the research program and reinforcing its long-term commitment to advancing next-generation retinal AI innovation.
“This funding builds on our investment and experience, unlocking eight (8) additional resources that expand our research and development capacity,” said André Larente, President and CEO of DIAGNOS. “By combining federal investment with our internal expertise, proprietary datasets, and clinical partnerships, we are creating a powerful acceleration engine for next-generation retinal AI that will translate into real clinical and commercial impact.”
The research program, titled “Towards the Next Generation of Deep Learning Algorithms for Retinal Image Analysis,” focuses on advancing state-of-the-art AI methodologies to improve accuracy, robustness, and clinical relevance in retinal disease detection.
“The NSERC Alliance program is built on a rigorous, peer-reviewed evaluation process and a high level of national competitiveness,” said Prof. Ismail Ben Ayed, the research Chair’s holder at the ÉTS. “Being selected through this process is a strong endorsement of both the scientific quality and the translational relevance of our work. We are very proud of this recognition, which enables us to pursue ambitious research and further strengthen DIAGNOS’ leadership in medical artificial intelligence.”
Now entering its second semester, the project has reached an advanced recruitment stage, with researcher onboarding nearing completion. ÉTS is actively collaborating with DIAGNOS to translate these academic advances into next-generation AI algorithms designed for real-world clinical deployment.
This collaboration reinforces DIAGNOS’ long-term strategy to leverage world-class academic research to accelerate innovation in AI-driven retinal health solutions, supporting earlier disease detection and improved patient outcomes.
About the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
NSERC is Canada’s primary federal agency for promoting and supporting postsecondary-based research and training in the natural sciences and engineering. Through its Alliance Grants, NSERC fosters collaborations between academia and industry that accelerate the translation of research into economic and societal benefits for Canadians.
About Mitacs
Mitacs is a national, not-for-profit organization that drives innovation by connecting academia with industry, government, and community partners. Its flagship Accelerate program supports research-based internships that allow graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to apply their expertise to real-world challenges while gaining valuable professional experience.
About DIAGNOS
DIAGNOS is a publicly traded Canadian corporation dedicated to early detection of critical eye-related health problems. By leveraging Artificial Intelligence, DIAGNOS aims to provide more information to healthcare clinicians to enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline workflows, and improve patient outcomes on a global scale.
Additional information is available at www.diagnos.com and www.sedarplus.com.
This news release contains forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in these statements. DIAGNOS disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For further information, please contact:Mr. André Larente, PresidentDIAGNOS Inc.Tel: 450-678-8882 ext. 224alarente@diagnos.ca
FAQ**
How does the collaboration between DIAGNOS Inc. ADK:CC and ÉTS aim to enhance the accuracy and robustness of AI algorithms for retinal image analysis in clinical settings?
What specific outcomes does DIAGNOS Inc. ADK:CC anticipate as a result of the federal investment exceeding $1 Million CAD towards next-generation retinal AI development?
How will the funding provided by NSERC and Mitacs specifically impact the talent development and research initiatives at DIAGNOS Inc. ADK:CC over the next five years?
What are the key milestones and deliverables DIAGNOS Inc. ADK:CC expects to achieve in the “Towards the Next Generation of Deep Learning Algorithms for Retinal Image Analysis” research program?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Diagnos Inc. (OTC: DGNOF).
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