Amber Hill, a former medical researcher for 14 years, found herself frustrated with the amount of time spent on administrative tasks rather than analyzing data or building relationships with patients. This led her to create Research Grid in 2020, a London-based startup that aims to automate clinical trial administration and data management processes to make trials more efficient.
Research Grid recently secured a $6.4 million investment in a seed round led by Fuel Ventures, with participation from firms like Ada Ventures and Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab. The company’s two patented products, Inclusive and Trial Engine, streamline tasks such as flagging protocol errors, data extraction, and workflow management. By automating these processes, Research Grid hopes to overcome the challenges of using legacy software systems that often lead to costly delays during trials.
One of the key issues Research Grid addresses is the slow recruitment process for clinical trials, along with the need for more diversity in trial participants. Hill emphasized the importance of recruiting a diverse pool of participants to ensure the safety and effectiveness of drugs and interventions, as well as meeting regulatory requirements. By leveraging AI technology, Research Grid aims to connect researchers with suitable participants more efficiently than traditional methods.
Looking ahead, Research Grid plans to expand its operations in the U.S. and Asian markets with the recent funding. Hill noted the importance of setting up the necessary corporate infrastructure to support their partners in these regions. Despite facing challenges as a solo founder during the pandemic, Hill managed to grow the company’s revenue significantly and is focused on hiring more experts and improving their AI technology.
In conclusion, Research Grid’s innovative approach to automating clinical trial administration shows promise in revolutionizing the way trials are conducted. By streamlining processes, improving recruitment efforts, and embracing AI technology, the company is poised to make a significant impact in the field of medical research and drug development.
