The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Hangzhou Diagens Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (Diagens Tech) officially established the "PolyU-Diagens General Artificial Intelligence and Medical Applications Joint Laboratory" (Joint Laboratory) on 2 September. The Joint Laboratory will focus on developing and translating innovative general artificial intelligence (AI) applications tailored for medical settings. Key research areas include medical image analysis, medical foundation models and healthcare automation technologies. Through this collaboration, PolyU and Diagens Tech underscore a pivotal step in their collaborative efforts in AI and healthcare innovation.
The plaque-unveiling ceremony was held at the PolyU campus. Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Prof. CHEN Changwen, Interim Dean of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences of PolyU; Prof. XIAO Bin, Associate Head (Partnership and Collaboration) of the Department of Computing of PolyU; Prof. Christina WONG, Director of Research and Innovation of PolyU; and Dr LI Yongqi, Project Lead of the Joint Laboratory, together with Dr SONG Ning, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Diagens Tech; Mr WEI Ran, Head of the Medical General Intelligence Lab of Diagens Tech; Mr WU Chengfa, Board Secretary and General Manager of the Strategic Investment Department of Diagens Tech; Mr ZHAO Yancheng, Assistant Manager of the President's Office of the Diagens Tech Hong Kong Office; and Ms ZHU Yiqiong, Director of Marketing and Branding of the Diagens Tech officiated at the unveiling ceremony of the Joint Laboratory.
Building on the strengths of both parties, PolyU and Diagens Tech will work hand in hand to advance the development of smart healthcare technologies, striving to enhance the quality and efficiency of medical services in Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and beyond. The Joint Laboratory brings together PolyU's world-class research expertise in AI, data science, and healthcare technologies with Diagens Tech's extensive experience in medical imaging, smart medical devices, and digital healthcare equipment. By integrating academic excellence with industry capabilities, the partnership will create a collaborative platform that bridges fundamental research with clinical and real-world applications, while promoting talent development, interdisciplinary collaboration and technology transfer.
Prof. Christopher Chao said, "The Nation is accelerating the development of the 'Healthy China' initiative. The establishment of the Joint Laboratory reflects the shared commitment of PolyU and Diagens Tech to supporting national strategic imperatives, leveraging technological advancements, and fulfilling their social responsibilities in academia and industry. Through our collective efforts, the Joint Laboratory will propel progress in the development of medical AI and elevate healthcare quality, accessibility and efficiency in Hong Kong, across the Nation and around the world."
Dr Song Ning remarked, "AI for Science is fundamentally transforming the global healthcare landscape. As humanity seeks deeper insights into life and health and strives to overcome complex diseases, AI presents challenges and opportunities on a scale comparable to the historic moon landing mission. Diagens Tech is committed to advancing healthcare AI from innovation to industrial-scale deployment. Through this partnership, both sides will empower one another to meet the rapidly growing demand for next-generation healthcare solutions. By closely integrating PolyU's pioneering research capabilities with Diagens Tech's expertise in industrial commercialisation, the collaboration aims to establish a new productivity paradigm for healthcare AI and usher in the next era of AI for Science in medicine."
Through pioneering research and innovation, PolyU and Diagens Tech aspire to position the Joint Laboratory as a leading platform for AI-driven medical innovation and intelligent healthcare applications, contributing to the "Healthy China" initiative and advancing the modernisation of healthcare services.
