TL;DR
OpenAI has acquired health records startup Torch and brought its four-person team into the company. An unnamed source told The Information the deal was paid in roughly $100 million of equity; OpenAI described the sum as undisclosed and Torch co-founder Ilya Abyzov said the team will work on ChatGPT Health.
What happened
OpenAI announced it has acquired Torch, a tiny startup that built tools to aggregate a person’s medical information across doctor visits, lab results, wearables and other portals. OpenAI did not disclose financial terms; a report cited an unnamed source saying the company paid about $100 million in equity. Torch’s four-person team will join OpenAI, according to statements from both companies and a post by Torch co-founder Ilya Abyzov on X. Torch had been developing what it described as a context engine or “medical memory” for AI, combining scattered records — including consumer wellness tests and data from multiple portals — into a consolidated view. The founders previously worked together at Forward Health, a clinic operator known for applying AI to care delivery that shut down in late 2024 after raising more than $400 million. OpenAI said the Torch team and its technology will be incorporated into the newly announced ChatGPT Health service.
Why it matters
- Torch’s aggregation technology is intended to supply contextual medical data to OpenAI’s ChatGPT Health service.
- Bringing a small, specialized team in-house could accelerate feature development for ChatGPT Health.
- The acquisition signals continued investment by major AI firms in health-related data tooling.
- The connection to Forward Health highlights continuity between earlier AI-driven care startups and larger platform players.
Key facts
- OpenAI confirmed it acquired Torch; the purchase price was described by OpenAI as undisclosed.
- The Information reported, citing an unnamed source, that OpenAI paid about $100 million in equity for Torch.
- Torch’s team consists of four people who will join OpenAI.
- Torch built an app to unify medical information from doctor visits, labs, wearables, portals and consumer wellness tests into a single context engine.
- Torch co-founder Ilya Abyzov posted on X that the team met while working at Forward Health.
- Forward Health, where the Torch founders previously worked, closed in late 2024 after raising over $400 million.
- OpenAI said Torch’s technology and team will become part of ChatGPT Health, its new health-focused offering.
- Reporting and the company post about the deal appeared in early January 2026.
What to watch next
- Timeline and specifics for how Torch’s technology will be integrated into ChatGPT Health — not confirmed in the source.
- Any regulatory, privacy or security disclosures tied to ChatGPT Health’s use of aggregated medical data — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether the reported $100 million equity figure is confirmed publicly by OpenAI or Torch — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Acqui-hire: An acquisition primarily made to bring a startup’s employees into the buyer’s organization rather than to buy its products or market share.
- Electronic health record (EHR): A digital version of a patient’s medical history, including clinical data, test results and treatment information maintained by providers.
- Wearables: Consumer devices such as smart watches and fitness trackers that collect health and biometric data.
- Equity: Ownership interest in a company, often delivered as shares or stock-based compensation.
- ChatGPT Health: The health-focused service announced by OpenAI that is intended to help users analyze and manage health information via its chatbot platform.
Reader FAQ
How much did OpenAI pay for Torch?
OpenAI described the sum as undisclosed. The Information reported the deal was roughly $100 million in equity.
Will Torch’s team join OpenAI?
Yes. Both companies said Torch’s four-person team will become part of OpenAI.
Will Torch’s technology be used in OpenAI’s health offering?
According to Torch co-founder Ilya Abyzov, the team and its technology will be part of OpenAI’s ChatGPT Health.
Why are the founders’ past ties to Forward Health relevant?
The Torch founders met while working at Forward Health, which previously focused on AI-powered care; Forward shut down in late 2024 after raising over $400 million.
Are there details about privacy, data handling or regulatory approval for ChatGPT Health?
Not confirmed in the source.
IN BRIEF Posted: 4:04 PM PST · January 12, 2026 IMAGE CREDITS: ALASHI / GETTY IMAGES Julie Bort OpenAI buys tiny health records startup Torch for, reportedly, $100M OpenAI announced…
Sources
- OpenAI buys tiny health records startup Torch for, reportedly, $100M
- OpenAI acquires Torch to support ChatGPT Health
- OMG OpenAI.. – by Molly O'Shea
- freshnews – fresh tech news from around the web
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