# RBGKEW1308 Expanding the use of Artificial Intelligence \(AI\) in root fungal colonisation assessment

> A sourced UK public sector contract award published by Royal Botanic Gardens.

## Key facts

- Buyer: [Royal Botanic Gardens](/buyers/royal-botanic-gardens/contract-awards)
- Supplier: D-fine GmbH
- Award value: £500,000
- Tender value: £500,000
- Award date: 15 August 2024
- Published: 25 October 2024
- Contract start: 1 October 2024
- Contract end: 31 March 2026
- Stage: awarded
- Procurement category: services
- Notice ID: 806fcb5c-a6d7-4f28-ae3c-d015408f46ad-797416
- OCID: ocds-b5fd17-d97920f5-e6d6-449a-87ae-e620b2419eaa

## Description

RBG Kew require a consultancy service, to expand the work developed during phase 1, to adapt AMFinder, an AI visualisation tool developed by Evangelisti et al \(2021\) to assess fungal-colonisation, for use with more complex field root samples\. The work in phase 2 would focus on improving the accuracy of the outputs that AMFinder generates and expanding its functionality to detect different mycorrhizal types\. This will build on the preliminary work carried out in phase 1, exploring the potential of a semi-supervised learning approach, and improving the user experience of the tool, by editing the dashboard interfaces and developing pipelines\. The AMFinder tool should provide a method for rapid quantification of fungal colonisation in plant roots\. Input to the tool will be images of ink-stained fungal structures inside roots mounted on microscopy slides, taken with a digital slide scanner \(Panoramic Midi II\) at RBG Kew\. Adherence to data regulation and standards is essential\.

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## Source

[View the original notice on Contracts Finder](https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/806fcb5c-a6d7-4f28-ae3c-d015408f46ad-797416)