Case Study: Innocens speeds sepsis diagnosis for preterm infants with IBM Cloud Pak for Data

IBM Cloud Pak® for Data Helps Innocens Speed Sepsis Diagnosis Using Hidden Trends Found in Patient Data

Innocens, founded by neonatal specialist Dr. David Van Laere, set out to reduce neonatal mortality by speeding sepsis diagnosis in NICUs where standard testing can take hours. Facing vast amounts of structured and unstructured patient data from bedside sensors, Innocens partnered with IBM to apply AI and edge computing—using IBM Cloud and data tools including IBM Cloud Pak for Data—to find hidden trends and trigger earlier evaluation and treatment.

IBM implemented an edge solution that captures real‑time sensor data and uses modeling and machine learning on IBM Cloud Pak for Data (with Red Hat OpenShift and IBM Watson Studio) to predict sepsis risk. Early results in pre‑clinical trials show the AI can identify at‑risk infants hours before standard protocols, with about 75% accuracy for severe sepsis and fewer than one false alarm per week; the project also earned the 2021 IBM Beacon Award and is moving toward clinical trials to demonstrate improved outcomes and reduced costs.

Innocens

David Van Laere

Founder