We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Katelyn Rittenhouse’s proposal, “Fetal Age and Machine Learning Initiative: Improving Pregnancy Evaluation in Low-Resource Settings (FAMLI),” has been selected for the EQT Foundation’s Breakthrough Science: Women’s Health Grant. This award recognizes bold, transformative ideas with the potential to drive meaningful change in women’s health—especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Dr. Rittenhouse’s concept stood out for its innovative use of artificial intelligence to address a critical gap in maternal-fetal care: accurate, accessible pregnancy evaluation in under-resourced settings. The FAMLI project leverages machine learning to estimate fetal age using low-cost ultrasound technology, aiming to empower frontline providers with diagnostic tools that are both powerful and practical.
Reflecting on the award, Dr. Rittenhouse shared how this grant marks a pivotal moment for the initiative:
“This grant will accelerate the translational phase of our FAMLI research by helping us move from a research-grade prototype to a deployable, real-world solution. While previous and ongoing grants have supported AI model development and clinical validation, this funding specifically targets commercialization—refining usability, strengthening cybersecurity, and developing regulatory documentation. It also supports engagement with global policymakers to create a roadmap for widespread implementation.”
She emphasized that this support bridges a critical gap—transforming promising research into tangible impact for communities where maternal and newborn outcomes are most at risk.
Rittenhouse has played a central role in the FAMLI initiative, including her work on the NCInnovation Grant alongside Dr. Jeffrey S.A. Stringer, a global leader in maternal health.
“Working with Dr. Stringer and the FAMLI team has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” she said. “Dr. Stringer brings deep clinical insight, commitment to global health equity, and the clarity to steer ambitious projects like FAMLI from concept to real-world impact.”
Looking ahead, Rittenhouse is energized by the potential of this technology to transform care:
“We’re building a future where powerful, AI-driven diagnostic tools are in the hands of frontline providers—improving pregnancy care not just in the U.S., but around the world.”