LMU Incubation Alumni Team PathoPan: AI-Powered Veterinary

Enlarge

Diagnostics, Driven by Passion and Research

Imagine a future where veterinary diagnostics is [SK1] not only faster and more precise, but where the expertise of pathologists is amplified rather than replaced by technology. This vision is what drives PathoPan, powered by Aicendence, a LMU Innovation Incubator team from cohort #3, redefining the diagnostic process in veterinary care.

Rooted in research from LMU Media Informatics and the LMU Clinic, with the support of Prof. Dr. Joachim Rädler from LMU Physics, PathoPan is developing a digital pathology solution that supports veterinarians, laboratories, and pathologists throughout the entire diagnostic process – from sample registration to AI-powered analysis and report generation.

“We deliberately rely on a hybrid approach that doesn’t replace pathologists but puts their expertise and experience at the center”, the team emphasises.

The technology offers faster, more accurate diagnostics and treatment recommendations while streamlining laboratory workflows and improving outcomes.

A Startup Sparked at LMU

The journey of PathoPan began with a simple but powerful motivation: a passion for AI research and a desire to apply it in a meaningful, real-world setting. After their academic studies, Moritz Koch and Johannes Strodel sought the opportunity to translate their expertise into impact.

The LMU Innovation Incubator became the launching point.

“The incubator was the spark that ignited our startup fire. We applied to the incubator and were warmly welcomed. This initial positive feedback made our journey possible in the first place,” they reflect.

During their time at the Incubator, the team developed and explored their business idea, benefited from training and coaching opportunities and the supportive community that allowed them to focus and grow. They continue to operate from the Co-Working Space at LMU Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center at Giselastraße 10. All of these early steps laid the foundation for what would later become a fully dedicated venture.

Funding, Early Milestones – and Official Founding

Securing the BMWK EXIST Gründerstipendium with crucial support from the LMU Spin-off Service was a key milestone for PathoPan, allowing the team to dedicate themselves full-time to the project.

“Without EXIST, we probably wouldn’t exist in this form today,” they reflect.

Additional support from AI+ Munich, success at the Bavarian Business Plan Competition, and participation in the Flügge program have further accelerated their progress. Most recently, PathoPan secured its first major pilot customer – a significant step towards market entry – and is now celebrating the official founding of its umbrella firm Aicendence.

Build, Measure and Learn Along the Founders’ Journey

Like many early-stage startups, the PathoPan team has grown not only in technical and market expertise but also professionalized in entrepreneurial skills. Looking back, they acknowledge that one of the biggest learning curves was learning how to communicate their idea effectively.

“At the beginning, we first had to learn how to communicate an idea in a simple, understandable way and how to validate our market effectively.”

This ability to translate complex research into accessible narratives has become an essential part of their growth as founders.

Fuelled by Passion and Purpose

What keeps the team motivated through the many highs and lows of entrepreneurship? The answer lies in a shared passion for meaningful innovation.

“First and foremost, because we believe that our automation can help patients, and of course also support and significantly relieve pathologists and veterinarians. Beyond that, everyone on our team is a passionate tinkerer, and we truly enjoy turning our vision into something tangible in the real world.”

The team’s deep commitment to both their scientific roots and their customers’ needs remains at the heart of their progress.

Looking ahead

PathoPan’s long-term vision is ambitious.

“After our pilot customer, we of course want to convince many more veterinarians, laboratories, and pathologists that we are an essential building block for tomorrow’s diagnostics,” the team states.

Looking ahead, they are preparing for their first major financing round, planned for early 2026, to support further scaling and product development.

Be part of PathoPan’s Journey

As they continue to grow, PathoPan is actively seeking new collaborations and connections. They welcome feedback, especially from veterinarians and pathologists, and are open to supporting students with theses or internships in the fields of computer vision and large language models (LLMs).

They are also glad to engage in conversation with investors, business angels, and laboratories who share their vision of improving diagnostics in veterinary medicine through cutting-edge technology.

If you feel inspired by PathoPan’s story and are ready to explore your own entrepreneurial path, this is your moment to unleash the transformational power of science and create a positive impact through innovation.

Applications for the LMU Innovation Incubator are now open until August 31st. For questions, reach out to LMU IEC Incubation Lead Annie Weichselbaum.