Press release 15.01.2026
A lifetime of follow-ups and constant uncertainty
As a urologist specializing in bladder cancer, Jacob Elmose repeatedly encountered the same challenge: diagnostic uncertainty and patients living with constant fear of recurrence. Rather than accepting the limitations of existing clinical practice, he chose to step away from a long medical career to develop a solution that could make a real difference. The result is the Danish MedTech company Cystotech, which has now received an investment from Delphinus Venture Capital.
Bladder cancer is among the cancer types with the highest recurrence rates. Many patients require lifelong follow-up, and even small diagnostic uncertainties can lead to unnecessary procedures, frequent examinations, and significant mental strain. Diagnosis is primarily performed through cystoscopy, where assessment is largely visual and dependent on the clinician’s experience.
From clinical insight to entrepreneurship
“You follow bladder cancer patients for years. They know the risk of recurrence is high, and for some the constant fear is almost worse than the disease itself. I began to believe we could do better and make diagnostics more objective using artificial intelligence,” says Jacob Elmose, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Cystotech.
In 2017, Jacob started exploring whether artificial intelligence could be used as decision support in cystoscopy—at a time when AI was still far from established in clinical practice. The initiative evolved into a clinical research collaboration, where Anna Munk, a project nurse with more than 16 years of experience in urology, became a key contributor.
“If we can help ensure that patients with actual disease receive the right treatment—and that fewer patients are exposed to unnecessary procedures—then we are truly making a difference,” says Anna Munk, Co-CEO of Cystotech.
AI built on a unique clinical dataset
In October 2021, Jacob and Anna founded Cystotech together with Philip Butenko, Thomas Grønning Knudsen, and Claus Hansen. Working closely with a dedicated and highly specialized team, they developed CystoAID®, an AI-based software solution that integrates directly into existing cystoscopy equipment and highlights suspicious tissue in real time during the procedure.
An early prototype already demonstrated the technology’s potential when it identified abnormalities that had not been detected during a routine examination.
“That moment confirmed why we started the company. It is not about replacing the physician, but about providing an extra set of eyes and greater confidence in clinical decisions,” says Jacob Elmose.
Investment to bring the solution into clinical use
Cystotech has obtained CE marking and is now preparing for commercial launch in Europe through partnerships with cystoscopy equipment manufacturers and distributors. The investment from Delphinus Venture Capital will accelerate this rollout and support the company’s continued development.
“Cystotech is a strong example of how deep clinical insight can be translated into technology with both significant human and industrial impact. It is exactly the type of company we aim to invest in,” says Katrine Riisberg, Investment Associate at Delphinus Venture Capital.
In the longer term, the ambition is for Cystotech’s technology to become an integrated part of standard equipment from global medical device companies—ultimately benefiting many more patients.
About Cystotech
Cystotech is a Danish MedTech company developing AI-based decision support for bladder cancer diagnostics. Its solution, CystoAID®, analyzes cystoscopy procedures in real time and supports clinical decision-making.
About Delphinus Venture Capital
Delphinus Venture Capital is a Danish venture fund established in 2025, managing EUR 80 million. The fund is backed by Aarhus University Research Foundation, HEARTLAND, Norlys, and Salling Group, and invests in research-driven innovation and deeptech companies with global impact potential.
For further information:
Katrine Riisberg
Investment Associate, Delphinus Venture Capital
khr@delphinus.vc
Claus Hansen
Co-CEO, Cystotech
claus.hansen@cystotech.com