CogniVue

CogniVue operates at the intersection of medical devices and software, focusing on the early detection of cognitive impairment. The company has developed a computerized cognitive assessment device that is cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This positions the firm as a key player in the burgeoning field of brain health monitoring.

The company's history is multifaceted. One entity, CogniVue Corporation, an Ottawa-based developer of image cognition IP, was founded in 2010 with Simon Morris as its CEO. This company specialized in low-power computer vision processor technology for the automotive and consumer electronics sectors. It developed the APEX Image Cognition Processor (ICP) technology, which was licensed to semiconductor vendors and used in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This firm was acquired by Freescale Semiconductor in September 2015 to bolster Freescale's offerings for autonomous vehicle solutions. Another entity, initially Cerebral Assessment Systems (CAS) and later renamed Cognivue, was founded to commercialize a cognitive testing device developed by Dr. Charles Duffy. In 2018, this company was acquired by philanthropist Tom Golisano, founder of Paychex, which marked a significant turning point in its commercial strategy.

CogniVue's business model targets a broad range of healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, neurologists, audiologists, optometrists, and retail pharmacies. Initially, the company struggled with a capital equipment sales model. Under new leadership, it pivoted to a more accessible subscription-based model, providing its testing device for a monthly fee without a long-term contract requirement. This strategy aims to broaden the adoption of routine cognitive screening.

The core product is a self-administered, computerized assessment device that evaluates cognitive function. The test, which takes between five to ten minutes, is based on the principle of adaptive psychophysics, customizing the assessment to each patient's unique motor and visual skills to ensure unbiased and reliable results. The technology assesses key cognitive domains such as memory, visuospatial skills, and executive function. The company offers two main devices: the 'Cognivue Clarity' for physicians and the 'Cognivue Thrive,' an abbreviated version for audiologists, optometrists, and pharmacies. The results do not provide a diagnosis but serve as a tool for clinicians to detect early signs of cognitive impairment, enabling timely intervention for conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Keywords: cognitive assessment, medical device, brain health, FDA-cleared, early detection, dementia screening, Alzheimer's testing, adaptive psychophysics, neuro-ophthalmology, cognitive impairment, healthcare technology, subscription model, audiology, optometry, primary care, cognitive function test, computerized assessment, Tom Golisano, vision screening, memory testing, executive function, visuospatial skills, clinical decision support