A leap forward in AI for biomedical applications

At Hutch, we are dedicated to nurturing underrepresented founders and helping them achieve groundbreaking success. One of our cohort companies, CloudLeap Technologies, recently showcased just how impactful that preparation can be. The CloupLeap team, alongside DRT Strategies, participated in the precisionFDA Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) App-a-thon, an initiative designed to evaluate the potential of AutoML tools in biomedical data analysis. Not only did CloudLeap rise to the occasion, but they also emerged as a Top Performer in the ML Tier alongside —a testament to their innovation, hard work, and the solid foundation they built during their time with Hutch.

Harnessing AutoML for biomedical data

The FDA’s AutoML App-a-thon was a unique opportunity for teams to demonstrate how far AutoML tools have come. Traditionally, machine learning (ML) in healthcare requires deep expertise in data science, and implementing these models can be a complex, time-consuming process. AutoML, however, automates much of the ML workflow, making advanced analytics accessible to a broader audience. The challenge aimed to determine if these automated tools could match or even surpass the performance of traditional ML models, specifically when applied to biomedical datasets.

Participants in the App-a-thon could choose between two tiers: the ML tier for those with limited data science experience, and the Advanced ML tier for seasoned professionals. CloudLeap Technologies entered the ML tier, where they were tasked with using open-source AutoML tools to analyze a brain cancer gene expression dataset. The competition was intense, with twelve teams (including eight in the ML tier) vying for top honors. Each team’s submission was evaluated on the accuracy and performance of their models, the quality of their method documentation, and their ability to clearly present their findings.

CloudLeap’s path to success

CloudLeap’s journey to this success was paved with rigorous preparation and the strategic guidance they received as part of the Hutch program. At Hutch, we focus on equipping our cohort companies with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in high-stakes environments like this one. CloudLeap’s participation in Hutch included deep dives into advanced data science methodologies, understanding the nuances of government challenges, and building robust, scalable solutions tailored to the public sector.

This preparation was crucial when they faced the App-a-thon’s challenges. CloudLeap’s approach was methodical: they utilized their experience in data science and applied it within the framework of AutoML tools. The team meticulously documented their methods, ensuring that their approach was not only scientifically sound but also replicable—an essential aspect of regulatory science. Their focus on precision and accuracy paid off, with their AutoML models outperforming traditional ML models across key metrics such as precision, F1 score, and specificity.

The future of AutoML

The results of the App-a-thon have significant implications for the future of AI in healthcare. While traditional ML models are powerful, they require significant expertise and time to develop. AutoML presents a promising alternative, potentially democratizing the use of ML in biomedical applications. For CloudLeap, this experience underscored the importance of combining domain expertise with cutting-edge technology. The team learned that, while AutoML tools are incredibly powerful, they require careful consideration of the specific use case and dataset to achieve optimal results.

This challenge also highlighted some of the limitations of current AutoML tools, particularly for smaller organizations. CloudLeap’s success in this environment speaks to their ability to navigate these challenges effectively, leveraging the computational resources they had at their disposal while adhering to best practices in data science.

CloudLeap’s impact

Emerging as a Top Performer in the FDA’s AutoML App-a-thon is more than just a victory for CloudLeap—it’s a step forward in the broader mission of Hutch to empower underrepresented founders to break new ground in government technology. CloudLeap’s achievement demonstrates how the right preparation, tools, and mindset can lead to groundbreaking successes in highly competitive environments.

This recognition not only validates CloudLeap’s capabilities but also sets the stage for future opportunities. As AutoML continues to evolve, CloudLeap is positioned to be at the forefront of this revolution, contributing to the advancement of regulatory science and the broader healthcare industry. Their journey through Hutch has equipped them with the resilience, expertise, and strategic vision needed to continue making an impact.

We’re incredibly proud of CloudLeap Technologies and excited to see where their journey takes them next. Their success is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when innovation meets opportunity, and we’re committed to continuing to support them as they reach new heights.