Researchers from Spain and Uganda are leveraging Microsoft Research’s cloud-based imaging platform, Tyger, to significantly improve the quality of MRI scans generated by ultra-low-field systems, offering new hope for expanding access to advanced diagnostic imaging in underserved communities across Africa.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Institute of Instrumentation for Molecular Imaging (I3M) in Spain and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Uganda. By utilising cloud computing, the project enables complex image reconstruction and denoising processes to be performed remotely, resulting in clearer and more accurate MRI images without the need for expensive local computing infrastructure.
Addressing Imaging Challenges in Low-Resource Settings
The partnership emerged from ongoing efforts to advance MRI research in Sub-Saharan Africa. While the MRI system at MUST was capable of capturing imaging signals, researchers faced challenges in converting those signals into clear and reliable images due to noise, limited processing power, and infrastructure constraints.
To overcome these obstacles, the research teams adopted Tyger, an open-source platform developed by Microsoft Research. The platform shifts image reconstruction from local computers to the cloud, where advanced denoising technologies such as SNRAware enhance image quality before the results are returned to researchers for interpretation.
“This collaboration demonstrates how cloud computing can help overcome some of the barriers that have traditionally limited access to advanced medical imaging,” said Michael Hansen, General Manager of Medical Imaging at Microsoft Research Health Futures.
Cloud Computing Improves Diagnostic Capabilities
Traditionally, MRI imaging depends on powerful magnets, sophisticated infrastructure, and high-performance computing systems. Tyger takes a different approach by treating MRI scanners primarily as signal-capture devices while cloud-based systems handle the intensive image reconstruction process.
In the I3M-MUST project, raw MRI data is transmitted to Microsoft Azure, where algorithms perform denoising and distortion correction before producing enhanced images. The technology has the potential to transform healthcare access in Uganda, where MRI services remain scarce, and many patients must travel long distances to access advanced diagnostic facilities.
“For many patients, travelling to distant hospitals for imaging is simply not feasible,” said Eng. Dr. Johnes Obungoloch, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology at MUST. “Technology like this could help bring advanced imaging to communities that have never had access to it.”
Building Local Capacity and Future Innovation
Beyond improving medical imaging, the initiative is also strengthening local scientific capacity. Researchers are training engineering and medical students, as well as community healthcare workers, in MRI technologies, image reconstruction, electronics, and signal processing.
According to Dr Obungoloch, the progress has been remarkable. “We have scanned dozens of volunteers since 2025. Early on, we could only image part of the head. Today, we can acquire full-head images.”
Microsoft Research says the Tyger platform creates a flexible ecosystem where hardware, software, and cloud resources work together to improve imaging outcomes. The collaboration demonstrates how digital innovation and cloud computing can help bridge healthcare gaps and expand access to quality diagnostic services in regions with limited medical infrastructure.