Nigeria LNG Limited has presented GenScan AI, an artificial intelligence-powered medical imaging innovation that could reduce MRI scan acquisition times by up to 90 per cent without requiring new MRI hardware. The technology was developed by Mary-Brenda Akoda, winner of the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation sponsored by NLNG.
GenScan AI uses the C-MORE algorithm to reconstruct MRI images through a one-step framework, allowing diagnostic-quality images to be produced from substantially less acquired data. The technology could help hospitals reduce waiting times, increase patient throughput and make better use of existing MRI scanners.
Akoda emerged as the winner from 237 entries submitted under the theme, “Innovations in Artificial Intelligence, ICT and Digital Technologies for Development.” She is the first woman and first millennial to win the prize as an individual recipient and is due to receive the $100,000 award at the Grand Award Night on October 9, 2026.
According to Akoda, the technology can potentially reduce a 20-minute MRI examination to about two minutes and a one-hour scan to roughly six minutes. She said GenScan AI has also undergone technical and clinical assessments, including a blinded evaluation by a consultant radiologist at Buckinghamshire NHS Hospital in the United Kingdom.
The innovation was developed partly in response to challenges associated with lengthy MRI examinations, including patient discomfort and movement, long waiting times and limited access to expensive imaging equipment. Because GenScan AI is designed to work with existing scanners, its developers say it could increase the capacity of facilities without requiring hospitals to purchase additional MRI machines.
NLNG General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, said the company wanted scientific research supported through the prize to translate into practical improvements in people's lives. Professor Barth Nnaji, chairman of the prize's Advisory Board, said further engagement with clinicians and other stakeholders would be important in determining how the technology can be safely and effectively applied.
The Federal Government has also indicated interest in supporting further development and testing of the technology. Education Minister Tunji Alausa said government would facilitate engagement with the Health Ministry and encourage teaching hospitals and Federal Medical Centres to participate in a proposed clinical pilot.
Despite the promising results, GenScan AI has not yet become a routine clinical tool. Further testing, validation, regulatory processes and clinical trials will be required before widespread deployment. The developers are targeting commercial deployment in the second half of 2027.
GenScan AI uses the C-MORE algorithm to reconstruct MRI images through a one-step framework, allowing diagnostic-quality images to be produced from substantially less acquired data. The technology could help hospitals reduce waiting times, increase patient throughput and make better use of existing MRI scanners.
Akoda emerged as the winner from 237 entries submitted under the theme, “Innovations in Artificial Intelligence, ICT and Digital Technologies for Development.” She is the first woman and first millennial to win the prize as an individual recipient and is due to receive the $100,000 award at the Grand Award Night on October 9, 2026.
According to Akoda, the technology can potentially reduce a 20-minute MRI examination to about two minutes and a one-hour scan to roughly six minutes. She said GenScan AI has also undergone technical and clinical assessments, including a blinded evaluation by a consultant radiologist at Buckinghamshire NHS Hospital in the United Kingdom.
The innovation was developed partly in response to challenges associated with lengthy MRI examinations, including patient discomfort and movement, long waiting times and limited access to expensive imaging equipment. Because GenScan AI is designed to work with existing scanners, its developers say it could increase the capacity of facilities without requiring hospitals to purchase additional MRI machines.
NLNG General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, said the company wanted scientific research supported through the prize to translate into practical improvements in people's lives. Professor Barth Nnaji, chairman of the prize's Advisory Board, said further engagement with clinicians and other stakeholders would be important in determining how the technology can be safely and effectively applied.
The Federal Government has also indicated interest in supporting further development and testing of the technology. Education Minister Tunji Alausa said government would facilitate engagement with the Health Ministry and encourage teaching hospitals and Federal Medical Centres to participate in a proposed clinical pilot.
Despite the promising results, GenScan AI has not yet become a routine clinical tool. Further testing, validation, regulatory processes and clinical trials will be required before widespread deployment. The developers are targeting commercial deployment in the second half of 2027.
Filed under
#NLNG
#GenScan AI
#Mary-Brenda Akoda
#Artificial Intelligence
#MRI
#Healthcare Technology
#Medical Imaging
#Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation
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NLNG has presented GenScan AI, an innovation developed by Mary-Brenda Akoda that could reduce MRI scan acquisition times by up to 90% without requiring new MRI hardware. Nigeria LNG Limited has presented GenScan AI, an artificial intelligence-powered medical imaging innovation that could reduce MRI scan acquisition times by up to 90 per cent without requiring new MRI hardware....
Key takeaways
- NLNG has presented GenScan AI, an innovation developed by Mary-Brenda Akoda that could reduce MRI scan acquisition times by up to 90% without requiring new MRI hardware.
- Nigeria LNG Limited has presented GenScan AI, an artificial intelligence-powered medical imaging innovation that could reduce MRI scan acquisition times by up to 90 per cent without requiring new MRI hardware.
- The technology was developed by Mary-Brenda Akoda, winner of the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation sponsored by NLNG.GenScan AI uses the C-MORE algorithm to reconstruct MRI images through a one-step framework, allowing diagnostic-quality images to be produced from substantially less acquired data.
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NLNG has presented GenScan AI, an innovation developed by Mary-Brenda Akoda that could reduce MRI scan acquisition times by up to 90% without requiring new MRI hardware. Nigeria LNG Limited has presented GenScan AI, an artificial intelligence-powered medical imaging innovation that could reduce MRI scan acquisition times by up to 90 per cent without requiring new MRI hardware....
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Glow 99.1 FM published this story with GlowRy Atuah listed as author.
When was it published?
October 6, 2026
