OpenAI acquired Torch, a health records startup, for an undisclosed sum, though a source told The Information the deal was worth $100 million in equity. The four-person team from Torch will join OpenAI, according to statements from both companies.

Torch developed an application designed to consolidate an individual's medical information from various sources, including doctor's visits, lab results, wearable devices, and consumer wellness tests, for use in artificial intelligence applications. The team referred to their technology as a "medical memory for AI," designed to unify disparate records into a cohesive context engine.

The Torch team previously worked together at Forward Health, a company known for its AI-powered doctor's offices, according to a post on X by Torch co-founder Ilya Abyzov. Forward Health ceased operations in late 2024 after raising over $400 million.

The acquisition, characterized as an acqui-hire, will integrate the Torch team and its technology into OpenAI's recently announced ChatGPT Health, a service intended to allow users to analyze and manage their health using the chatbot. ChatGPT Health aims to provide users with tools to understand their medical data and potentially gain insights into their health conditions.

By integrating Torch's technology, OpenAI aims to improve ChatGPT's ability to understand and utilize complex medical information. This could lead to more accurate and personalized health-related responses from the chatbot. The acquisition reflects OpenAI's broader strategy to expand its capabilities in the healthcare sector and leverage AI to improve patient outcomes.