HiLab

About HiLab

Hilab, founded in 2004 as Hi Technologies, operates at the intersection of biotechnology and digital health, providing accessible diagnostic testing. The company was established in Curitiba, Brazil, by college friends and entrepreneurs Marcus Figueredo and Sérgio Rogal. They were later joined by co-founder Carlos Eduardo Chaves. Figueredo, the current CEO, has a background in Computer Engineering and a Ph.D. in AI for health, while Rogal, the CTO, holds a Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence and focuses on applying new technologies to hardware. Chaves, the COO, has a background in business administration and people management.

The firm's core business revolves around its Remote Lab Testing (RLT) service, also known as Point-of-Care Testing (PoCT). This service utilizes portable, Internet of Things (IoT) enabled devices to perform a wide range of laboratory tests with just a few drops of blood from a fingertip, delivering results in minutes. The process involves a healthcare professional registering the patient, collecting a sample, and inserting it into a Hilab device. An AI-powered pre-analysis is then validated by a team of human specialists, and the final report is sent digitally to the patient. This model serves various clients, including pharmacies, public health agencies, clinics, laboratories, corporations, and health insurance companies, by enabling high test coverage without the need for extensive fixed infrastructure.

Hilab has developed a suite of proprietary devices to cater to different diagnostic needs. The 'Hilab Flow' is a multi-methodology device for a broad portfolio of tests. The 'Hilab Lens' is a compact device capable of performing a Complete Blood Count (CBC) in approximately 15-30 minutes using digital microscopy. Other devices include the 'Hilab Volt,' an electrochemical device, and 'Hilab Molecular,' which performs molecular biology tests. The company's significant milestones include launching the first rapid COVID-19 test in Brazil in March 2020 and co-developing the Tainá Platform with the Butantan Institute to manage pandemic-related data. The company has received multiple design and innovation awards, including the iF DESIGN AWARD.

Financially, Hilab is a Series B company that has attracted notable investment. It has raised a total of $10 million over three funding rounds, with its first round on December 14, 2018. Key investors include Endeavor, Peninsula Participacoes, Monashees, EB Capital, and Positivo Tecnologia.