Providence-based Advanced Image Enhancement was formed in 2000 by CEO Michael Duarte. AIE's software is based on technology previously used to detect undersea mines at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport. Duarte, who worked at NUWC and has doctors in the family, was inspired in 1995 by the push for government facilities to find commercial sector uses for their technologies.

Now AIE's software may help prevent breast cancer by providing clearer pictures of breast tissue. Other uses for the software are also been researched including the use for oral surgeries, chest X-rays, and the detection of hairline fractures.

AIE has begun integrating its software into the digital radiology work of Hologic, a developer and manufacturer of medical imaging systems, and Hologic is partnering with AIE to commercialize the software, Duarte said.

A recent survey released by the firm shows that the company's software gave [radiologists] between 20 and 70 percent more confidence in their findings.

Local support for AIE has been provided by the Slater Technology Fund and the Cherrystone Angel Group, both of which have made significant financial investments.

Thorne Sparkman, managing director of the Slater Fund, said the fund has invested in AIE four times, for a total of $160,000, and provided space in its incubator in Providence.