OpenAI has acquired the health-care technology startup Torch (www.cnbc.com)

OpenAI has acquired health-care technology startup Torch for approximately $60 million, although the companies did not disclose the exact terms. Torch was developing a "unified medical memory" aimed at consolidating patient health data, which is typically fragmented across various vendors and formats. The acquisition aligns with OpenAI's recent introduction of ChatGPT Health, a feature that enables users to connect their medical records and wellness applications to the AI chatbot, thereby enhancing the utility of AI in personal health management. This acquisition is significant for the AI/ML community as it highlights OpenAI's commitment to advancing healthcare applications, positioning itself competitively against rivals like Google and Anthropic. Torch’s innovative approach to integrating health data is expected to enrich the capabilities of ChatGPT, providing users with a more cohesive and informative health experience. Furthermore, with key personnel from Torch joining OpenAI, the integration of this expertise may accelerate the development of AI-driven healthcare solutions, ultimately expanding access to intelligent health tools for millions of users.