Predicate partners with Mayo Clinic to advance AI-based early warning system for sepsis
Wilmington-based Predicate AI Labs Inc. has entered a collaboration with the Mayo Clinic to advance the early detection of sepsis, the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The healthcare technology company is developing a predictive artificial intelligence platform that can quickly identify critical illness, with an initial focus on sepsis.
Sepsis is a severe, life-threatening response to infection that can quickly lead to organ dysfunction and death if not treated right away. It affects over 49 million people around the world, including 1.7 million each year in the U.S.
“We’re proud to collaborate with Mayo Clinic, whose legacy of clinical excellence supports our vision to make predictive healthcare more accessible and equitable,” said Morris Nguyen, founder and CEO of Predicate. “Sepsis remains one of the deadliest and costliest conditions in healthcare, but when caught early, it’s far more treatable.”
Through the new agreement, Predicate will benefit from both clinical expertise and real-world insights by working with Mayo Clinic experts in predictive healthcare to help accelerate the development and validation of its AI-driven tools for earlier sepsis detection and intervention.
Detecting hidden signs of sepsis
Predicate’s OpenDx platform combines analysis of real-time physiological sensor data and continuous patient symptom reporting with advanced AI models to identify hard-to-detect patterns that may signal sepsis risk before more obvious symptoms appear.
The risk of death increases 7.6% for each hour of delay in starting treatment. OpenDx enables faster decision-making and more timely treatment, which is especially important in resource-limited settings.
According to Nguyen, working with the Mayo Clinic will help ensure that OpenDx can identify meaningful signals of sepsis earlier, when clinical actions will have the greatest impact.
Predicate’s OpenDx platform is advancing along two go-to-market paths: One version is preparing for beta use while the FDA-regulated version is undergoing extensive clinical trials across seven countries and five continents, with a U.S. launch anticipated in the second half of 2026.
Built in NC
“Wilmington has been an ideal place for Predicate to call home,” said Nguyen. “The supportive tech startup ecosystem, proximity to research institutions, and a strong sense of community have all helped us lay a strong foundation for growth.”
That foundation was further strengthened last year when the company earned a top-three finish and $10,000 in the North Carolina Biotechnology Center’s Venture Challenge Southeastern Venture Pitch Finals.
“Participating in the Venture Challenge validated both our vision and execution,” said Nguyen. “It gave us critical feedback, visibility and the confidence that Predicate can compete on a national stage.”
Randall Johnson, executive director of NCBiotech's Southeastern office, praised the company and its CEO for its achievements in the regional biotech community.
“Companies like Predicate are a great example of how the life sciences industry in the Wilmington region is thriving," Johnson said. “Morris Nguyen and Predicate exemplify the critical connection between brilliant science, a global healthcare market need, entrepreneurial spirit, and the business acumen needed for a successful high-tech startup venture to start and grow in our community.”