Sergei Gussev (Better Medicine): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Sergei Gussev is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Better Medicine, an innovative Estonian medtech startup specializing in AI-powered solutions for cancer detection, particularly kidney cancer. Better Medicine is gaining global attention for its pioneering use of artificial intelligence to aid radiologists in early and accurate detection of cancer through medical imaging, significantly improving diagnostic workflows and patient outcomes. Gussev’s role is pivotal in architecting the technology that combines cutting-edge AI algorithms with medical imaging, driving the company’s mission to transform oncology diagnostics. This article explores ten key aspects about Sergei Gussev and his work at Better Medicine, highlighting his background, technology, company milestones, and impact on medical diagnostics.

1. Professional Background and Expertise of Sergei Gussev

Sergei Gussev is an experienced technology leader with extensive knowledge in software development, organizational architecture, and startup development. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Tartu (1995–2000), and has held executive roles including CEO, CTO, and managing director in several companies prior to co-founding Better Medicine. His expertise spans software engineering, mobile applications, and complex system architectures, which he leverages to lead the technical vision and delivery of Better Medicine's AI-powered tools for oncology diagnostics.

2. Role in Better Medicine

As the CTO and a co-founder of Better Medicine, Sergei Gussev is responsible for steering the company’s technology development and operational strategy. He ensures that the AI and software solutions meet rigorous clinical and regulatory standards, while also shaping the underlying software architecture to integrate smoothly into existing hospital radiology workflows. His leadership is key in making AI tools not only powerful but also user-friendly for radiologists, contributing to Better Medicine’s position as an innovator in the AI-medical imaging space.

3. Better Medicine’s Mission and Impact on Cancer Diagnostics

Better Medicine, founded in 2020, aims to revolutionize cancer detection by automating the analysis of radiological scans with AI. Its flagship product, BMVision Kidney, is the first CE-certified AI software to detect and measure kidney cancer from CT scans, offering radiologists a second set of eyes that tirelessly reviews images with high accuracy. This AI assistance alleviates pressure on overburdened radiology departments worldwide by reducing time spent on manual lesion measurements and minimizing missed diagnoses, thereby improving early detection and patient survival rates.

4. Technology Innovation Led by Sergei Gussev

A major technological milestone achieved under Gussev's leadership is the development of AI algorithms that have been clinically validated and certified as medical devices under the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR 2017/745). The BMVision platform integrates deep-learning models trained on large annotated datasets to automatically detect malignant kidney lesions with over 96% standalone accuracy, and up to 99.2% detection rates when combined with radiologist input. Gussev’s technical contributions enable seamless incorporation of this AI into existing PACS and radiological viewers, streamlining diagnostic workflows.

5. Collaboration with Academia and Medical Institutions

Better Medicine maintains close collaborations with multiple academic and clinical partners which is crucial for their research and product validation. Holding strong ties with the University of Tartu, Tartu University Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and others, these partnerships bring together medical expertise and advanced AI research. Sergei Gussev’s technical team works alongside scientists and clinicians to continually refine AI algorithms and ensure clinical applicability. This collaboration underpins their products’ credibility and acceptance in healthcare settings.

6. Priit Salumaa and Better Medicine’s Leadership Team

Alongside Sergei Gussev, Better Medicine’s leadership features Priit Salumaa, the CEO and Founder, known for his visionary entrepreneurship and technical background in software systems engineering. The leadership team also includes experts like Dmytro Fishman, Chief Science Officer, and Helena Ije, Chief Operating Officer. This multidisciplinary team combines technology, healthcare, and operational expertise to drive Better Medicine’s growth and innovation in AI cancer diagnostics. Gussev’s role complements this team by leading technological incubation and implementation.

7. Funding Milestones and Growth

Under the stewardship of Sergei Gussev and the executive team, Better Medicine has successfully raised significant funding to scale its AI diagnostic solutions. Notably, the company secured �0a2.5 million under the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator grant in 2023 and �0a1 million in a pre-seed round led by Soulmates Ventures in 2025. These investments are enabling Better Medicine to expand in Europe and prepare for U.S. market entry, including tailored FDA clinical pilots to obtain regulatory clearance, signaling the company’s growing influence and ambition.

8. Priit Salumaa Better Medicine Synergy

The relationship between Sergei Gussev and Priit Salumaa, with Salumaa as CEO, creates a powerful synergy that melds visionary leadership with technological excellence. Salumaa's focus on business strategy, fundraising, and market expansion complements Gussev’s technology direction, ensuring that Better Medicine evolves to meet market needs while maintaining high standards of AI innovation. This synergy is instrumental in positioning Better Medicine as a global player in the medtech space.

9. Better Medicine’s Presence on LinkedIn and Digital Footprint

Better Medicine maintains an active presence on LinkedIn, engaging with the medical and technical communities to promote its AI solutions. Sergei Gussev, as CTO, is linked to this professional network as part of the leadership team, contributing to discussions on health tech innovation and AI in cancer diagnostics. The company shares milestones, partnerships, hiring announcements, and industry events, thus fostering a community that supports health innovation and collaborative R&D.

10. Future Prospects and Innovations

With Sergei Gussev’s technical guidance, Better Medicine is poised to expand its product portfolio beyond kidney cancer to other oncological and metastatic sites, aiming to provide AI solutions that assist early detection and treatment across multiple cancer types. The company plans to continue its European rollout while targeting FDA clearance for the U.S. market. Innovations will also likely focus on scaling automation, enhancing integration with clinical infrastructures, and demonstrating cost-effectiveness in partnership with health insurers, ensuring sustained impact on global cancer care.

Conclusion

Sergei Gussev stands as a vital force behind Better Medicine's technological breakthroughs, bringing deep expertise and leadership to the development of AI-based cancer diagnostics. Together with a strong founding team and strategic investors, Better Medicine is setting new standards in radiology, leveraging AI to improve cancer detection, reduce radiologist workload, and save lives. As the company advances toward broader regulatory approvals and markets, Gussev's work exemplifies how digital transformation and collaboration across disciplines can revolutionize healthcare. This journey poses an exciting question: how will AI continue to reshape the future landscape of medicine and diagnostics?