HSG Impact Award 2026: AI-Based Detection of Malnutrition

Around 20–30 per cent of hospital patients are affected – with significant health consequences and costs exceeding 500 million Swiss francs annually in Switzerland alone. The interdisciplinary research team at the Healthspan Lab at the University of St.Gallen (HSG) is addressing this issue by combining artificial intelligence with technology to create an automated system that accurately tracks food intake in real time.

With an accuracy of around 90 per cent – even for complex meals – the technology enables the early detection of malnutrition while simultaneously reducing the workload for nursing staff by eliminating the need for manual documentation.

Initial practical trials at Winterthur Cantonal Hospital demonstrate significant potential: thousands of working hours can be saved, additional revenue generated, and treatment costs significantly reduced. In parallel, ALPINA+SANA is developing patient-centred medical food products that increase acceptance among those affected. The project is receiving interest from the healthcare sector: over 50 hospitals are already considering its introduction. Thus, the initiative by Prof. Dr Dietmar Grichnik and Dr Robert Schreiber not only makes an important contribution to increasing efficiency in the healthcare system but also improves the quality of life of an ageing population.

The research project is among the winners of the “HSG Impact Award 2026”.

About the HSG Impact Awards
Every year, the University of St.Gallen (HSG) honours outstanding research with the HSG Impact Award. HSG researchers who make a particularly valuable contribution to society with their projects are honoured.