Built as a B2B, subscription-based clinical platform, Argus AI is developing a solution designed to be used directly in the operating room, supporting surgeons during surgery through advanced visualization, AI-driven insights, and real-time guidance. While the technology also has an educational application for students and residents, this is only one component of a much broader ambition. “Our goal is to build a clinical tool that allows surgeons to safely perform surgeries that are currently considered too risky or impossible,” explains CEO and co-founder Vladimir Verbulskii. “When surgeons have better information and visibility, they can make decisions that completely change a patient’s outcome.”
At a critical early stage, visibility and validation became essential. With support from EU4Innovation East, Argus AI participated in How to Web, DigiTec, and Web Summit, gaining access to international audiences at the pre-seed phase. “Because our product is based on mixed reality, it can’t be properly demonstrated online. When people put on the headset, everything becomes clear,” Vladimir says. Among these events, How to Web generated the strongest follow-ups, while Web Summit increased global exposure and DigiTec helped position the startup within the regional innovation ecosystem.
These opportunities helped the team test assumptions and strengthen early relationships. “The events allowed us to reinforce connections with existing investors and start conversations with new potential partners and clients,” Vladimir notes. While the product was still in development, the feedback and interest confirmed Argus AI’s direction and laid the foundation for later collaborations.
Building on this momentum, Argus AI expanded independently beyond Moldova. Following discussions after How to Web, the team entered talks with a clinic in Romania to explore a new use case in vascular surgery, broadening the solution beyond neurosurgery. In parallel, partnerships were formed with technology companies in Taiwan working on brain segmentation and educational tools, with collaboration extending to Japan. “Each new partnership helps us refine the product and adapt it to real-world medical workflows,” Vladimir explains.
A major milestone followed at home with the signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the Moldovan Institute of Emergency Medicine.. “This agreement is essential for us — it enables clinical validation and opens the door to joint grant applications,” says Vladimir, noting that Argus AI’s medical co-founder is a practicing neurosurgeon at the Institute. The collaboration anchors innovation in daily clinical practice and supports the transition from prototype to validated medical solution.
Today, Argus AI is advancing along two complementary product tracks: education and clinical application. “The educational track helps train the next generation of surgeons, but the clinical track is where the real challenge and impact lie — supporting surgeons during live procedures,” Vladimir explains. Having raised over €80,000 through international grants and angel investment the team is now focused on finalizing the product, entering clinical trials, securing medical certification, and closing a €500,000 pre-seed round. In parallel, Argus AI earned global recognition by taking second place at Tim Draper’s University Accelerator in Silicon Valley, in addition to being named Best Moldovan Startup 2025 at the MITP Awards Gala. Supported by EU4Innovation East in accessing key international platforms, Argus AI’s journey illustrates how innovation from Moldova can help build the future of surgery worldwide.
