Calgary-based artificial intelligence company Sylvester.ai has been selected to join Canada’s official delegation at VivaTech 2025, Europe’s premier technology conference, taking place June 11–14 in Paris.
Chosen by SCALE AI, Canada’s AI Global Innovation Cluster, Sylvester.ai will represent the country’s cutting-edge innovation on the international stage. The company is disrupting the $300 billion global pet care industry with its veterinarian-backed AI solution for feline pain detection—technology that helps cat caregivers determine whether their pets are in distress and need veterinary attention.
“We are honoured to represent Canadian innovation alongside other visionary companies at VivaTech 2025,” said Susan Groeneveld, founder and CEO of Sylvester.ai. “This mission provides a unique opportunity to globalize feline healthcare while highlighting how Canadian AI technology is transforming veterinary care worldwide.”
Sylvester.ai’s flagship technology uses a smartphone-enabled AI model to analyze feline facial expressions—assessing pain with 89% precision by evaluating key indicators like ear position, muzzle tension, and whisker alignment. The solution has already analyzed over 350,000 cat photos and garnered more than 54,000 users, with adoption expanding across North America, Europe, and Asia.
The company is now integrating with major veterinary platforms and expanding strategic partnerships, including recent collaborations with CoVet, Fear Free®, and Meowtel. Its goal: to build the world’s largest database of feline visual health indicators—transforming both how we care for cats and how AI contributes to preventative healthcare.
Groeneveld, whose inspiration came from her late farm cat Jack, is supported by a team of data scientists, veterinarians, and animal behavior experts. She says Sylvester.ai is tackling a critical gap: while cats are found in one in three U.S. households, less than half receive regular vet care—largely because cats instinctively hide signs of pain.
The startup’s momentum includes a $1 million pre-seed round raised in 2024, including backing from Metiquity Ventures. A seed round is planned for fall 2025.
VivaTech 2025 will convene thousands of global leaders in tech and investment to explore solutions to the world’s biggest challenges. Sylvester.ai will join a cohort of Canadian companies positioning the country at the forefront of responsible, AI-driven innovation.
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