In the context of the TB projects that CheckTB! consultants co-create and seek funding for; the team also liaises with technology innovators in TB case detection such as Radboud University/Thirona (R&D for CAD, electronic patient files), Delft Imaging Systems (in particular for tele-radiology, mobility, CAD), EPCON AI and Cepheid (Xpert® MTB/RIF, mobile use). New entrants with innovative propositions are also evaluated in the context of future projects.

Information on next meaningful innovations, input from the Stop TB Partnership PSC, experience obtained from other projects and new user needs are – depending on the project – exchanged with innovators. This is done with the objective to:

1. further improve the sustainability and yield of TB case detection projects, also in mobile and resource constrained settings
2. collect data and information for research grant applications
3. facilitate access to research funding and project financing - e.g. Dutch Government grant application requiring a detailed feasibility study
4. sound the “voice of the user” and identify future TB program needs

For instance, the heat map produced by CAD4TB was included as a standard output for the user, based on feedback provided to the CAD developers by CheckTB! following TB stakeholder consultations in the field. Such a user need was also expressed for the development of fully solar-powered TB screening units equipped with single phase (220V) digital X-ray systems as well as for the possibility for offline CAD use in mobile settings or in remote areas with low bandwidth. Also, the need to detect also other lung abnormalities than only TB by CAD in digital chest radiographs was expressed by users in support of HSS and cross-disease impact.