NetZeroAICT Hits Major Milestone: 1,000,000 CT Datasets Integrated

The EU-funded NetZeroAICT project has reached a milestone in its mission to make medical imaging more sustainable through artificial intelligence. The project has now integrated more than 1, 000,000 CT datasets into its centralized data repository, a major leap toward building a robust, AI-ready imaging infrastructure across Europe. This coincided with the Month 24 Consortium meeting, hosted by our partner at PAGNI, Crete.

At the same time, NetZeroAICT successfully completed a validation study for its digital contrast CT scan algorithm, focusing on the first indication of use: abdominal aorta imaging. This innovative digital contrast is intended to replace traditional contrast agents and is slated for validation across four additional indications: pulmonary arteries, neck and brain arteries, limb arteries, and coronary arteries. While the initial results are promising, further AI training is necessary to support the other indications of use.

Building the Foundation for AI-Driven Imaging

The project has created a GDPR-compliant CT image repository that connects nine clinical partners through secure data pipelines, managed through the Collective Minds research platform. A new classification system for CT images now allows for efficient cohort selection and AI model training, ensuring that researchers can work with clean, well-organized datasets. The project, under the umbrella of Collective Minds, successfully established a GDPR-compliant CT image repository.

This repository connects nine clinical partners via secure data pipelines, which are managed using the Collective Minds research platform. Furthermore, a new classification system for CT images has been implemented. This system streamlines cohort selection and AI model training by ensuring researchers have access to clean, accurately organized datasets.

Transparency Through Data

To promote openness and collaboration, the project has launched a public dashboard that tracks key metrics such as scan volume, equipment types, and geographic coverage. The dashboard will continue to expand as new data is added, supporting ongoing clinical validation (WP5) and the project’s commitment to ethical and transparent AI.

A Greener Future for Healthcare

One of NetZeroAICT’s main goals is to reduce global dependence on iodinated radiocontrast media (RCM), substances that can pose risks to both patients and the environment. By replacing RCM with AI-generated “Digital Contrast,” the project estimates potential savings of 900,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions and €2 billion annually across the EU and UK.

About NetZeroAICT

NetZeroAICT is part of the EU’s Horizon Europe programme and focuses on building trustworthy, sustainable AI for healthcare. Bringing together clinical, technical, and ethical experts from across Europe, the project is working towards a climate-neutral future for medical imaging.