A father’s quest for diagnosis inspired a disruptive AI solution

After the diagnosis, Isla quickly became one of Spain's main advocates for rare diseases, championing better understanding and fighting for improved treatments for these little-known illnesses. As the years passed, he realized that computing could be a perfect ally, given that diagnosing rare diseases requires gathering and analyzing vast amounts of data and symptom information.

"AI is a facilitator," Isla says, reflecting on what he calls "the odyssey of diagnosis."

In 2017, when Sergio was 9 years old, Isla co-founded Foundation 29 , a nonprofit organization dedicated to leveraging AI for healthcare innovation. That same year, Isla forged a momentous, if improbable, connection with Satya Nadella, Microsoft Chairman and CEO.

At a Microsoft event, Nadella shared the story of his son, who was born with cerebral palsy, and how technology could assist those with special needs. Isla, watching online, was deeply moved.

Isla immediately wrote to Nadella, explaining how his son's disease had also profoundly changed his life.

"I want to provide diagnoses for those without one. It's achievable. Microsoft has the technology to make it happen," Isla wrote in his email. Nadella responded within five minutes, connecting Isla with Microsoft teams focused on AI-driven healthcare solutions.