In the face of personal tragedy, innovation often finds a way to progress. For Angelo Antonio Buendia, founder of Advanced Abilities, the loss of his younger brother to liver cancer in 2016 sparked a relentless pursuit of early detection and preventive care technologies.
“It was a major blow to our family,” Buendia said, “and it made me realize the importance of early detection in saving lives. I knew I had to do something to help others avoid the same fate.”
This profound experience ignited a passion in Buendia, leading him to explore how to combine artificial intelligence (AI) and medical devices. He sought out pioneers in AI technology, eager to uncover solutions that could identify diseases like Hepatitis B, the silent killer that had claimed his brother’s life.
Buendia’s quest for innovation started as early as 2018, about the time when he founded Advanced Abilities, initially focusing on software development for his insurance business.
Frustrations with third-party developers fueled his desire to create tailored solutions that met the specific needs of his industry. This foray into IT laid the foundation for the company’s future endeavors.
Fast forward to today, Advanced Abilities has blossomed into a multifaceted tech company with a diverse portfolio of software applications, partnerships, and in-house developments.
Revolutionizing Healthcare through Technology
Their latest offerings include an OFW platform, an insurance marketplace, and a groundbreaking suite of smart tech solutions. The AI Smart Scan, a portable AI-driven X-ray system capable of rapidly detecting 32 different pathologies, including tuberculosis, is a modern device for early disease detection.
Developed in collaboration with medical professionals and DeepTek, a leading medical imaging AI company, the Smart Scan has the potential to transform diagnostic capabilities in resource-limited settings.
“Our goal is to democratize access to high-quality healthcare by leveraging AI,” Buendia explained.
Further, Advance Abilities has partnered with an Israeli company, EFA Technologies, to introduce a portable complete blood count (CBC) machine that promises to revolutionize blood diagnostics.
It has also forged alliances with companies specializing in AI-powered mammogram analysis, further expanding its reach in the realm of preventive healthcare.
“We believe that AI has the power to transform healthcare, and we are constantly seeking out new ways to apply this technology to improve patient outcomes,” said Buendia.
Beyond Healthcare and Towards a Tech-Driven Future
Beyond healthcare, Advanced Abilities has expanded into other sectors, including insurance, OFW welfare, and e-commerce. Their online insurance brokerage marketplace, Policymate, provides a convenient platform for consumers to compare and purchase insurance products.
Their Advanced eSIM solution, developed in partnership with a British company, offers travelers seamless connectivity and data roaming capabilities.
Buendia’s unwavering belief in automation and collaboration has been a driving force behind Advanced Abilities’ success. He emphasized the importance of working together with partners who share his vision of leveraging technology to improve lives.
“Collaboration is key to innovation,” he said, noting that overcoming resistance to new technologies, especially in the healthcare sector, required persistence and education.
Concerns about AI replacing human expertise were met with assurances that these tools are designed to augment, not supplant, healthcare professionals.
“AI is not here to replace doctors, but to empower them with better tools to make informed decisions,” Buendia emphasized.
Looking to the future, Advanced Abilities is actively expanding its operations, hiring and training personnel to meet the growing demand for their innovative solutions.
It is also exploring opportunities to collaborate with local government units (LGUs) and modernize their healthcare systems.
“We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. We believe that technology can help us create a healthier and more prosperous future for all Filipinos,” Buendia said.
