The Google program invests in the startup of Aiva Health Voice Assistant

Diving sheet:

• The Los Angeles-based start-up, Aiva Health, has benefited from the Google Assistants' investment program to support the development of its artificial intelligence voice assistant.
• Aiva uses Google Home, Amazon Echo and other smart speakers to engage patients and seniors and put them in touch with their caregivers.
• The funding will serve to accelerate the development and commercialization of Aiva's voice assistance platform.

Dive Insight:

Voice assistants are a key trend and everyone is looking to leverage Amazon's Alexa, Google Home and other voice-activated platforms. Some health care organizations have deployed voice control applications, but they have mostly been aimed at a wide range of consumers.

Last May, the Mayo Clinic launched a Alexa technique of voice control related to health to help people with first aid advice. More recently, Cigna has deployed "Answers by Cigna", an Alexa skill to educate consumers about 150 frequently asked health questions.

Exploiting the home health market significantly could be lucrative, especially if technology allows a growing older population to stay longer at home.

The Google Assistant Investment Program was created earlier this year to support the development of innovative voice technologies. The Aiva infusion is the first investment of the program in the field of health.

"Voice is the new mobile to deliver better health care," said Sumeet Bhatia, founder and CEO of Aiva, in a statement. "We are excited to be working with the Google Assistant's investment team to expand our offerings and improve the care of the people who need it most."

Other investors in Aiva include Act One Ventures, Mucker Capital, Techstars and Cedars-Sinai Accelerator, powered by Techstars.