SpotitEarly: The Startup Combining Dogs and AI to Detect Common Cancers, Showcasing at Disrupt

Developing comprehensive screening for early-stage cancer is the key to saving the most lives.

Imagine being able to detect multiple types of cancer at an early stage, potentially saving thousands of lives each year. This vision is becoming more attainable with the advent of innovative technologies in cancer screening. Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests have emerged as a promising avenue, although many are still awaiting FDA approval. Currently, several tests are available for consumers willing to pay out of pocket. For instance, the Galleri blood test from Grail or a whole-body MRI from companies like Prenuvo or Ezra can provide early insights into potential issues, despite their high costs, often reaching $2,000 or more.

A new contender in the cancer screening landscape is reducing the need for expensive procedures and lab visits. Enter SpotitEarly, a groundbreaking biotech firm that recently presented at Startup Battlefield during TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. The company is creating an innovative at-home cancer test that utilizes the unique abilities of dogs and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze human breath for cancer indications.

CEO Shlomi Madar emphasized the reliability of these methods, noting that dogs can be trained to detect certain diseases, including various forms of cancer. “There are also ad hoc reports from people who mention that their companion dogs sensed that something was wrong with them way before they were diagnosed,” he said, highlighting the extraordinary capacity of dogs to recognize subtle changes in human chemistry.

With extensive experience in health and biotechnology, Madar teamed up with friends, including a former K9 unit commander, to develop a trustworthy approach to cancer screening. Their technology focuses on analyzing breath samples collected at home—an approach designed to be user-friendly and non-invasive.

Participants in the screening process will collect their breath samples and send them to SpotitEarly’s lab. Here, a team of 18 specially trained beagles will be at work, trained to detect cancer-specific odors. When the dogs identify cancer markers, they are trained to sit, and this behavior is then validated by SpotitEarly’s AI platform, which reinforces accuracy.

SpotitEarly employs advanced technology to monitor and document the dogs’ reactions, ensuring high accuracy in the screening process. Madar explained, “We have cameras on top of the lab. We have a microphone that captures the dogs’ breathing patterns. We also monitor their heart rate. So basically, the machine learning knows the baseline of the entire dog pack.” This system not only improves the screening’s validity but also enhances the overall accuracy compared to traditional methods, where human handlers might miss critical signs.

Initial research published in Nature’s Scientific Reports indicated that the trained dogs could identify early-stage cancer with an impressive accuracy rate of 94%. Conducted as a double-blind clinical study involving 1,400 individuals, the research focused on the four most prevalent cancers: breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung.

Since its inception in Israel in 2020, SpotitEarly has announced an exciting launch into the U.S. market, supported by a significant funding round totaling $20.3 million from notable investors, including Hanaco VC and Jeff Swartz (former CEO of Timberland). This influx of capital will allow the company to expand its clinical studies, beginning with a focus on breast cancer before exploring additional cancer types.

Madar revealed that the at-home screening kits are expected to hit the market next year via a network of physicians. Each individual cancer screening test will be priced around $250, and the cost of screening for additional types will be considerably lower. SpotitEarly aims to make its services more accessible than alternatives like Grail’s Galleri test, priced at approximately $950.

Beyond their roles as biosensors, Madar underscores the significance of the dogs as part of the SpotitEarly team. “We don’t just use them as biosensors. They have plenty of room to play. They’re great sneakers, great workers, but also great companions,” he said, echoing a sentiment that fosters a unique workplace culture that respects and values these extraordinary animals.

Interested in witnessing SpotitEarly’s debut and exploring numerous other pitches and workshops? For an opportunity to learn more, attend this year’s Disrupt at this link, happening in San Francisco from October 27 to 29, 2025.