The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Fudan University signed a collaboration agreement yesterday (21 September) to establish the Suanova Hong Kong-Shanghai Joint Laboratory for AI in Healthcare. The two universities will work together to advance interdisciplinary research and innovative applications in artificial intelligence (AI) and healthcare, nurture AI healthcare talent with a global outlook, and contribute to the Nation’s scientific and technological innovation and the health and well-being of its people.
The signing ceremony was held at Shanghai Bay Valley Science and Technology Park. Witnessed by Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, and Prof. ZHOU Lei, Vice President of Fudan University, the agreement was signed by Prof. YANG Hongxia, Executive Director of the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence, and Prof. ZHANG Wenhong, Head of the Institute of Infection and Health of Fudan University. Prof. Wing-tak Wong and Prof. Zhou Lei then unveiled the Joint Laboratory, marking a milestone in Hong Kong-Shanghai collaboration in AI and healthcare.
Through the Joint Laboratory, the two universities will combine their respective strengths in AI, medicine, public health and clinical research to promote innovative research and knowledge transfer, interdisciplinary talent development and academic exchange. The collaboration will also enhance the translation of research outcomes, helping researchers, clinicians and students master cutting-edge AI technologies while supporting the optimisation of healthcare services and improved patient outcomes.
Prof. Wing-tak Wong said, “In recent years, PolyU has strengthened its strategic development in AI and advanced frontier research and real-world applications. Fudan University has deep expertise in medicine, public health and clinical research. Leveraging high-level research platforms including the National Medical Centre for Infectious Diseases, it has achieved outstanding results in the prevention and control of major infectious diseases and in healthcare research. The Joint Laboratory will further integrate AI technologies into applications that address medical, clinical practice and public health needs, and accelerate the real-world application of internationally impactful healthcare innovations.”
Prof. Zhou Lei said, “AI is changing the way scientific research is conducted, but tools alone do not generate answers. What makes medicine unique is whether innovation can connect real-world problems with new tools. This will determine how far AI can go in medicine.” He expressed the hope that the Joint Laboratory would start with genuine clinical needs and allow real-world questions to guide technological development. He added that Fudan University would fully support the development of the Joint Laboratory by providing the necessary office and research space, experimental facilities and clinical research conditions.
The Joint Laboratory has been established with a generous donation from Suanova Technology Limited (Suanova), a subsidiary of Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited, which will provide computing power support. Witnessed by Prof. Wing-tak Wong and Prof. Zhou Lei, the donation agreement was signed by Mr Douglas FANG, Chairman of Suanova Technology Limited and Executive Director of the Board of Directors of Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited, and Ms LIU Li, President of Fudan University Education Development Foundation.
Drawing on the strengths of the two universities in scientific research, talent development and academic disciplines, the Joint Laboratory will focus on frontier collaboration in areas including generative AI, infectious disease research, medical informatics and bioinformatics. It will advance the development of key technologies and innovation in core algorithms. The two universities will also support the joint training of postgraduate students, postdoctoral researchers and young research talent, promote academic exchange, and integrate research, industry and collaboration resources to accelerate the transition and industrial application of research outcomes, thereby driving innovation in healthcare.
