The Portuguese angel investment community Angels Way has invested around €50,000 in Otitest, a solution developed by Metablue Solution that aims to help detect early signs of ear infections in children at home, ECO reports.
The Matosinhos-based startup, set to formally adopt the name Otitest, was developed from research conducted at the University of Porto laboratories.
The pediatric otoscope designed for home use combines light, fiber optics, and artificial intelligence to assess indicators such as eardrum color, fluid presence, and body temperature. The device delivers an alert in about 10 seconds.
Their technology has reached an estimated 90% efficacy after a year of clinical trials conducted in public hospitals in Braga and Guimarães.
Patented in both the European Union and the United States, the system will now be tested in private healthcare units. The next phase of trials will also include sites in São Tomé and Príncipe and Washington.
According to co-founder and CEO Raul Almeida, the device is designed as a tool for intelligent triage rather than a replacement for medical evaluation.
“We want to improve the lives of parents, give them peace of mind, and provide a quick response without needing to go to the emergency room,” he said in comments shared with ECO, adding that the device could help reduce pressure on emergency services.
Otitest is the 11th investment and the first in healthtech made by Angels Way, which aims to reach a portfolio of 20 companies by the end of the year.
Launched by Olisipo Way, an early-stage venture firm focused on technology, Angels Way began operations in early 2025 and is managed by OW Ventures, a venture capital firm created for this purpose, according to ECO. Investments have a fixed value of €50,000, with a total financial envelope of €1 million.
Previous investments include Nixar, Granter, Medgical, DOJA AI, Purrmi, Courtmaster, Curiouz, WiseWorld, ByTheLaw, and Hands On.
Featured image: Co-founder and CEO Raul Almeida leads Otitest’s mission to make early detection of ear infections as simple as checking for fever. (Photo courtesy of Metablue Solution)
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