Launch of Healthcare Technology Innovation Center by Pharmaceutical Giant and University
AstraZeneca and Hanoi University of Science and Technology establish a new facility to accelerate the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare.
On December 14, AstraZeneca and Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) officially inaugurated a new Healthcare Innovation Center. The facility is situated within HUST’s Institute for Research and Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI4LIFE).
The launch event took place during a program focused on comprehensive healthcare access through medical innovation, organized by the Ministry of Health, the Vietnam Youth Physicians Association, and HUST.
Strategic Goals and Context
This public-private initiative is launched to address Vietnam’s pressing healthcare challenges, notably rapid population aging and a significant rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, COPD, asthma, and various cancers, with an emerging trend of earlier onset among the workforce.
The Healthcare Innovation Center is a component of AstraZeneca’s global A.Catalyst Network. Its core objective is to accelerate AI and digital health solutions, thereby promoting equitable access to advanced healthcare services domestically and regionally. This collaboration aligns with the Government’s vision for digital transformation and scientific breakthroughs in the health sector.
Key Functions and Operations
Mr. Atul Tandon, Chairman and General Director of AstraZeneca Vietnam, affirmed that the center marks a strategic milestone in leveraging AI for holistic healthcare across Vietnam. He emphasized that this strategic partnership aims to support healthcare professionals and the public in detecting, diagnosing, and managing complex diseases, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
The center will focus on expediting AI adoption through core activities:
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Research and Development (R&D): Developing AI solutions for next-generation clinical trials, biomedical science, and medical research.
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Capacity Building: Facilitating international knowledge exchange, mentoring, and training for students, researchers, healthcare professionals, startups, and innovators.
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Commercialization: Supporting the market entry of innovative ideas and solutions.
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Digital Innovation: Enhancing patient care, remote monitoring, and data analytics.
The center has announced its first cohort of the healthcare innovation acceleration program, supporting 10 projects from 8 health-tech and medical device startups. Key focus areas include enhancing early diagnosis, optimizing treatment, capacity building, and innovative research.
Foundation of Success and Live Demonstrations
This collaboration builds upon previous digital health initiatives implemented by AstraZeneca in Vietnam, including an AI-supported chest X-ray screening program for over 100,000 individuals and AI echocardiography solutions deployed in several major hospitals.
During the launch event, various AI-powered health technologies were showcased and demonstrated for the public, including AI-spirometry devices, AI-assisted mammography and chest X-rays, AI-ECG systems, AI medical chatbots, and a telehealth system. Approximately 2,000 people received health screenings utilizing these advanced technologies.
