SNAQ: Food recognition and analysis app off to a good start

SNAQ, a Zurich based startup, developed a mobile app solution that enables anyone to take a picture of a prepared meal and immediately receive the number of carbohydrates. The Artificial Intelligence-powered app automatically recognises the food and using 3D models; it calculates the volume, deduces its weight. After comparison with a nutritional value database, the app provides a nutritional value analysis of the food.

With a B2B2C model, the startup licences the solution as a Software as a Service (SaaS) to companies. The insurance companies CSS (EisenCoach) and Sanitas (Sanitas Active on iOS and Google Play) have already launched the solution, enabling their clients and other users to lead a healthy lifestyle. Aurelian Briner, CEO of SNAQ, revealed that more than 2000 users register on the startup's iOS app monthly.

Beyond being a lifestyle solution, the app could also make the lives of diabetes patients much easier. Once the startup obtains approval to use the solution as a medical device, the app will be used to calculate the required insulin dosage. The app geared towards diabetes patients is currently under development. The first preclinical studies have been conducted together with the Inselspital Berne and the Diabetes Center Bern, and market studies are underway in America, England and Germany, among others.

Thanks to their innovative solution, the startup impressed the jury of the bytes4diabetes award, a competition that recognises outstanding digital solutions that support diabetes patients, doctors and diabetes teams. Bytes4diabetes is presented by the German pharmaceutical company BERLIN-CHEMIE. Out of 32 entries, only four took home prizes with SNAQ holding the first place cash prize.

"As a sufferer, I know how tedious it is to constantly research and add up bread units SNAQ can make the everyday life of many people with diabetes a lot easier," emphasised project patron and jury member Lisa Schütte, Kassel. The jury was also impressed by the startup's innovative technical concept.

Since its establishment in 2017, SNAQ is currently employing 10 employees and has closed both the pre-seed and seed investment rounds.

(RAN)