Nuance Communications acquires Saykara

Nuance Communications has announced the acquisition of the mobile artificial intelligence company Saykara, Inc., which has developed artificial intelligence (AI) technology to assist physicians and other clinicians with documentation challenges.

According to a news release, the acquisition continues Nuance’s expansion of market and technical leadership in conversational artificial intelligence (AI) and ambient clinical intelligence (ACI) in an effort to reduce clinician burnout, enhance patient experiences, and improve the financial integrity of the health system overall.

"The complementary technology built by the Saykara team aligns strongly with our technology portfolio and growth strategy as well as the needs of our clients," Joe Petro, executive vice president and chief technology officer of Nuance, says in the release. "This acquisition welcomes some familiar and highly respected technology leaders whom I am excited to have join our research and development team, which consists of the best and brightest minds in applying AI and machine learning to healthcare. With a shared vision, we will continue our aggressive focus on innovation, growth, and on delivering industry-leading AI-powered solutions that meaningfully address the compelling business problems that our healthcare clients and their clinicians face every day."

Founded in 2015 by serial entrepreneur Harjinder Sandhu, who previously served as an executive in Nuance’s research and development division. The company’s team of leading engineers, machine learning experts, and experienced technology executive will join Nuance’s development team, the release says.

"I welcome the opportunity to rejoin the market leader in conversational AI and ambient clinical intelligence, and the impressive Nuance research and development team – especially at this important juncture in the development and adoption of these AI-powered healthcare innovations," Sandhu says in the release. "We are very familiar with Nuance's advanced technology, domain expertise, and world-class technical team and share the company's mission to make what matters to alleviate the clinical documentation burden on clinicians around the world."