After researching nanoparticles for cancer treatment at the University of Minnesota and pursuing medical school, Archie Karpeh founded MelaninMD. The St. Paul-based startup, launched in 2023, uses AI with the goal of helping dermatologists better diagnose skin abnormalities across skin tones. At MelaninMD, Karpeh leads business development and collaborates with industry partners to develop patented applications. The cause is especially important to him because some of his family members have lost their battles to cancer. Since October 2023, he has also been involved with an accelerator program through NASA and Brown Venture Group designed to increase minority representation in the federal commercialization process.