Two Seattle-based healthcare technology startups have joined forces to create an innovative digital platform that consolidates medical diagnostic tools into a single, accessible location for families. The platform, dubbed a “virtual medicine cabinet,” launches with its first application available to users.

The initiative comes from University of Washington spinout companies Wavely Diagnostics and Apertur, both leveraging artificial
intelligence in their smartphone-based diagnostic solutions. Wavely’s application employs acoustic technology to detect ear infections by bouncing sound waves off the eardrum, while Apertur’s tool examines pupil responses to light for potential neurological issues like concussions.

These conditions were specifically chosen based on parent feedback, according to Wavely CEO Arna Ionescu Stoll, who noted that ear infections and head injuries ranked among top health concerns for parents. The technology aims to reduce unnecessary medical visits while providing peace of mind to families.

The platform debuts with Wavely’s application, now available in the App Store, serving as the foundation for the virtual medicine cabinet that will incorporate Apertur’s solution. Users can access these services through an annual subscription starting at $60. The Wavely app requires specialized ear test tips, purchasable through Amazon, and allows results to be shared directly with virtual healthcare providers, including integrated partner Summer Health.

Jacob Reider, Wavely’s chief health officer and former family physician, emphasized the reliability of the underlying data science. He highlighted how acoustic reflectometry, though not new technology, has been made more accessible through smartphones rather than requiring specialized medical devices.

The virtual medicine cabinet has significant growth potential, with plans to incorporate tools for various health conditions including strep throat, skin conditions, anemia, hydration levels, respiratory function, heart rate, and blood pressure monitoring. Stoll revealed that their team has identified 56 companies developing
smartphone-based medical diagnostics or AI health tools, suggesting eventual consolidation into unified platforms is inevitable.

Wavely’s founding team includes Randall Bly, a pediatric ENT physician and Seattle Children’s Hospital assistant professor, and Shyam Gollakota, a University of Washington computer science professor known for his diverse research in wireless technology, medical diagnostics, and related fields. The company currently operates with 11 employees and has secured $7.5 million in combined equity and grant funding.

The initiative represents a significant step toward making healthcare more accessible and manageable from home, potentially transforming how families handle common medical concerns through technology-enabled solutions.