OpenAI acquires health-care technology startup Torch

In a strategic move to enhance its healthcare capabilities, OpenAI has officially acquired Torch, a startup focused on innovative healthcare technology. This announcement was made on Monday, highlighting Torch's mission to create a 'unified medical memory' that consolidates fragmented patient health data from various sources into a single accessible platform. The acquisition will see the team at Torch integrate with OpenAI, although the financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed. Torch's CEO, Ilya Abyzov, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, stating on X that it presents a unique opportunity to leverage their technology for the benefit of the millions who engage with ChatGPT for health inquiries each week. Abyzov, who co-founded Forward—a tech-driven direct-to-consumer primary care service that ceased operations in 2024—brings considerable experience to the table. This acquisition follows OpenAI's recent launch of ChatGPT Health, a feature that allows users to sync their medical records and wellness applications with the AI chatbot, further positioning the company as a leader in AI-driven healthcare solutions. OpenAI has also been busy in the healthcare sector, announcing partnerships with major health systems such as HCA Healthcare and introducing several enterprise-level products tailored for healthcare organizations. The recent hiring of Albert Lee from Google to lead corporate development signals OpenAI's ongoing commitment to pursuing acquisitions that provide a competitive edge against rivals such as Google and Anthropic. Notably, the company made headlines in 2025 with the acquisition of Jony Ive's AI devices startup, io, for over $6 billion in May.