A biotech startup competing at TechCrunch Disrupt is bringing a surprisingly effective approach to cancer detection - trained dogs working alongside AI. SpotitEarly has developed an at-home breath test that achieves 94% accuracy in detecting four common cancers, with consumer availability planned for 2026.
The future of cancer screening might have four legs and a wet nose. SpotitEarly, a biotech company presenting at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, is developing what could be the most unique approach to early cancer detection yet - combining the extraordinary olfactory abilities of trained dogs with artificial intelligence.
The Israeli startup's approach tackles a critical healthcare challenge. While multi-cancer early detection tests remain largely experimental and lack FDA approval, existing options like Grail's Galleri blood test cost around $950, and whole-body MRI scans from companies like Prenuvo or Ezra often exceed $2,000. These price points put comprehensive cancer screening out of reach for many consumers.
"The science is increasingly clear: Dogs can be trained to sniff out diseases, and especially cancer, in humans," CEO Shlomi Madar told TechCrunch. Drawing on his 15 years in health and biotech leadership, Madar partnered with three friends - including a former K9 unit commander - to develop this unconventional screening method.
The process itself is remarkably simple for users. Consumers collect a breath sample at home and ship it to SpotitEarly's lab, where 18 trained beagles analyze the samples for cancer-specific odors. The dogs sit when they detect cancer particles, and that's where the AI becomes crucial.
"We have cameras on top of the lab. We have a microphone that captures the dogs' breathing patterns. We also monitor their heart rate," Madar explained. "The machine learning knows the baseline of the entire dog pack. That's what makes it more accurate than just a handler looking at a dog."
The results are impressive. Research published in Nature's Scientific Reports showed the trained dogs detected early-stage cancer in breath samples with 94% accuracy. The double-blind clinical study involved 1,400 individuals and focused on the four most common cancers: breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung.
SpotitEarly announced its US market entry in May with $20.3 million in funding from Hanaco VC, Menomedin VC, Jeff Swartz (former Timberland CEO), and Avishai Abrahami (Wix.com CEO). The Israeli company, founded in 2020, plans to use this capital to significantly expand clinical studies, starting with individual breast cancer tests before moving to the other three targeted cancers.
The pricing strategy could disrupt the existing market. Madar said single cancer tests will cost around $250, with additional cancer screenings priced as a fraction of the first test. The multi-cancer panel will be priced below Grail's $950 Galleri test, potentially making comprehensive cancer screening accessible to a broader population.
Distribution will happen through physician networks starting next year, adding a layer of medical oversight to the consumer testing process. This approach addresses regulatory concerns while maintaining the convenience of at-home collection.
What sets SpotitEarly apart isn't just the novel approach - it's the company culture built around their four-legged employees. All company staff must be "dog people," Madar noted. "We don't just use them as biosensors. They have plenty of room to play. They're great sneakers, great workers, but also great companions."
The startup's approach arrives as the cancer screening market faces significant challenges. Traditional screening methods often miss early-stage cancers or require expensive, invasive procedures. Meanwhile, emerging liquid biopsy tests struggle with false positives and remain costly.
SpotitEarly's method leverages millions of years of canine evolution while adding modern AI validation to create a screening tool that's both accurate and affordable. If successful, it could democratize access to multi-cancer screening and potentially catch cancers at stages when treatment is most effective.
SpotitEarly represents a fascinating intersection of ancient biology and modern AI, potentially solving one of healthcare's most pressing challenges through an unexpectedly elegant approach. With 94% accuracy rates and plans for sub-$300 pricing, the startup could make comprehensive cancer screening accessible to millions. As the company prepares for its 2026 consumer launch, it's worth watching whether this unique combination of canine intuition and artificial intelligence can reshape early cancer detection.
