Startup Battlefield company SpotitEarly trained dogs and AI to sniff out common cancers and will show off its tech at Disrupt

In the quest to improve early-stage cancer detection, innovative methods are emerging that could save countless lives. While multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests are still under development and not yet approved by the FDA, some options are already available for consumers willing to invest in their health. Tests like the Galleri blood test from Grail or full-body MRIs from companies such as Prenuvo and Ezra, which can exceed $2,000, are among the choices. Enter SpotitEarly, a groundbreaking biotech firm participating in TechCrunch Disrupt 2025's Startup Battlefield. This company is pioneering a unique at-home cancer testing method that leverages the extraordinary olfactory abilities of dogs, combined with artificial intelligence. CEO Shlomi Madar emphasizes the growing body of evidence showing that dogs can be trained to detect diseases, particularly cancer, in humans. He noted, "Reports indicate that many companion dogs have sensed health issues in their owners long before a diagnosis was made." With a robust background in health and biotechnology, Madar collaborated with three friends, including a former K9 unit commander, to create a reliable technology for cancer screening through breath analysis. Users can conveniently collect breath samples at home and send them to SpotitEarly’s lab. The company employs a team of 18 specially trained beagles that can identify cancer-related odors. When the dogs detect cancer particles, they are trained to sit, and SpotitEarly's AI platform corroborates their responses. Madar elaborated on the sophisticated monitoring systems in place, stating, "We have cameras and microphones that capture the dogs’ breathing patterns and heart rates. Our machine learning algorithms establish a baseline for the entire pack, enhancing the accuracy of our results compared to traditional observation methods." Research published in Nature’s Scientific Reports revealed that SpotitEarly's trained dogs can accurately identify early signs of cancer in breath samples with an impressive 94% accuracy rate. This double-blind clinical study involved 1,400 participants and focused on the four most prevalent types of cancer: breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung. Founded in Israel in 2020, SpotitEarly recently made headlines with its U.S. market launch, backed by $20.3 million in funding from investors including Hanaco VC and Jeff Swartz, the former CEO of Timberland. The funds will facilitate expanded clinical studies, beginning with breast cancer screenings before progressing to the other target cancers. Madar revealed that the at-home screening kits are expected to be available through a network of physicians next year, with a single test priced around $250. Additional tests for other cancers will be offered at a reduced cost, making it more accessible than competing options like Grail’s Galleri test, which typically costs about $950. Madar also highlighted the company’s commitment to creating a positive environment for their canine team members, stating, "All employees must be dog lovers. Our dogs aren’t just biosensors; they are valued companions who enjoy plenty of playtime." For those interested in witnessing SpotitEarly's innovations firsthand, as well as exploring numerous other pitches and workshops, details about this year’s Disrupt event, scheduled for October 27 to 29 in San Francisco, can be found online.