VisualDx to expand downtown office, staff

VisualDx, a company that develops medical imaging computer software, will expand its downtown Rochester offices by 5,000 square feet with the help of $700,000 in state and regional grants and tax breaks.

Empire State Development announced the development Wednesday, Dec. 27, saying the expansion will help the company accommodate 21 new jobs, joining a current staff of 39.

VisualDx, located in the former Valley Cadillac Building on East Avenue, will receive a grant of $100,000 from the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, and up to $600,000 through the state’s Excelsior Tax Credit Program.

“Companies like VisualDx are critical to the success of the Downtown Innovation Zone in Rochester and cement the Finger Lakes Region’s reputation as a national leader for high-tech innovation,” said Howard Zemsky, president, CEO and commissioner of Empire State Development.

Dr. Art Papier, CEO of VisualDx, said, “We believe Rochester is an ideal spot for technology innovation and are proud to bring two of the city’s best assets together—imaging and healthcare—to improve medical decision-making. We appreciate the support to expand our operations and retain the local talent available.”

The company plans to use the funding to develop an artificial intelligence technology that will allow home users to take a picture of a rash and get guidance on what to do. VisualDx was founded 19 years ago by doctors, educators, artists and computer scientists. Its products are used in more than half of US medical schools and 1,700 treatment facilities, helping medical providers compare diagnostic possibilities of patients’ signs and symptoms, aiming to improve care while reducing potential errors.

Several state and local elected officials offered their congratulations to the company, including Rochester City Mayor Lovely A. Warren. “The success of companies like VisualDx underscores the dramatic change taking place in Rochester as entrepreneurs continue to leverage the knowledge generated by our colleges and universities and the talents of so many young people who are eager to live in our city,” Warren said.

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