Ark
Category: AI in Healthcare
AI-powered retinal diagnosis platform that analyzes fundus camera images in 3-5 seconds to detect 3 major blinding diseases (age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy) and predict risks for cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases. Ark was founded in 2018. The company is led by Kim Hyung-hoe. Based in Busan, South Korea. Team size: N/A. Total funding raised: $15.0M. Latest round: Series A. Key investors include DSC Investment, Kiwoom Investment, Aju IB Investment, SL Investment, Platinum Technology Investment, Wooshin Ventures.
- Founded
- 2018
- Headquarters
- Busan, South Korea
- Team size
- N/A
- Total funding
- $15.0M
Value proposition
Enables early detection and prevention of blinding diseases and chronic disease complications through rapid AI analysis of a single retinal image, reducing screening time from hours to seconds.
Products and solutions
WISKY - AI-based retinal diagnosis platform, OPTiNA Genesis - AI-integrated fundus camera device, OREUM - Additional healthcare solution, ARK-SAFE - Safety-focused healthcare product, SANVEL - Wellness/health management product
Unique value
First Korean AI product to simultaneously analyze 3 major blinding retinal diseases (macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy) from a single fundus image in 3-5 seconds; designated as Korea's 40th Innovative Medical Device; extends beyond ophthalmology to predict cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease risks.
Target customer
Medical institutions including ophthalmology clinics, internal medicine departments, family medicine practices, and health screening centers.
Industries served
Healthcare AI / Medical AI Diagnostics, Ophthalmology, Chronic Disease Management, Preventive Healthcare, Digital Therapeutics
Technology advantage
Leverages national university hospital clinical data (Pusan National University Hospital) for highly accurate AI algorithm development; combines proprietary fundus camera technology with deep learning analysis; enables non-ophthalmologist healthcare providers to conduct reliable screenings.
How they differentiate
First Korean AI product to simultaneously analyze 3 major blinding retinal diseases from a single fundus image in 3-5 seconds; uniquely extends beyond ophthalmology to predict cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease risks; leverages proprietary fundus camera technology combined with national university hospital clinical data.
Main competitors
VUNO, Lunit, Coreline Soft
Key partnerships
Daewoong Pharmaceutical, IT-PARK Uzbekistan, NH Investment Securities, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University Technology Holding
Notable customers
1,000+ Medical Institutions, Daewoong Pharmaceutical
Major milestones
Raised 20 billion KRW Series A funding on March 5, 2026, WISKY received MFDS Class 3 medical device approval and designated as Korea's 40th Innovative Medical Device, Secured strategic partnership with Daewoong Pharmaceutical (August 2024), Achieved 3.5 billion KRW revenue in Q4 2024, Signed IPO preparation contract with NH Investment Securities, Initiated FDA approval process for US market entry
Growth metrics
Secured contracts with 1,000+ medical institutions within 1 year of commercial launch; supplied products to 700+ medical institutions; generated 3.5 billion KRW revenue in Q4 2024; WISKY diagnostic tests surpassed 200,000 cases as reported September 2026.
Market positioning
Emerging specialized AI ophthalmology startup focusing on chronic disease management through retinal screening, positioned as an innovative medical device company in Korea's healthcare AI market.
Geographic focus
South Korea, Central Asia, US
Patents and IP
7 domestic patents for fundus camera technology including mydriatic-free photography technology, high-speed eye tracking, and polarized beam splitter technology.
About Kim Hyung-hoe
Professor at Pusan National University College of Medicine. Leading AI healthcare startup specializing in chronic disease management and early screening technologies. Successfully raised Series A funding of 20 billion KRW and preparing for KOSDAQ IPO.
Latest news about Ark
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Official website: https://aiark.io