Three Academicians Converge at 2024 Health Conference: Exploring the Synergy Between AI and Human Health
We live in aAIThe Era of Symbiosis,AIis accelerating its penetration into various industries, transforming every aspect of the world. EspeciallyAIIts impact on the healthcare industry is multifaceted, and it is becoming a significant driving force. It not only enhances the quality and efficiency of medical services and advances the intelligence level of hospital operational management, but also delivers more precise and personalized healthcare experiences to patients.
Against this backdrop, on December 24, byZhejiang Entrepreneurs Association, World Health Conference Organizing CommitteeHosted by,Zhejiang Entrepreneurs Association Health Industry CommitteeHosted byThe 6th Health Conference in 2024Held in Hangzhou. This conference, themed“AI and Human Health”Centered on this theme, it brings together renowned experts, scholars, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from the healthcare sector to jointly explore the innovative applications and development prospects of AI in healthcare, focusing on broad health topics such as AI-enabled pharmaceutical innovation and AI application scenarios within the pharmaceutical industry.
The 6th Health Conference in 2024
This conference has invitedChen Zhu, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People’s CongressDeliver a written address.Sun Jingmiao, former Vice Governor of Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government, former Vice Chairman of the 12th Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and Deputy Director of the Zhejiang Provincial Government Advisory Committee; Pan Yunhe, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Professor at Zhejiang University; Huang Hefeng, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Dean of the School of Medicine at Zhejiang University; Huang He, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Vice President of Nanjing Normal University; Song Li, Party Group Member and Secretary-General of the Zhejiang Provincial Federation of Industry and Commerce, as well as Party Secretary, Vice President, and Secretary-General of the Zhejiang Entrepreneurs General Association; Zhu Fujiang, Vice President of the Zhejiang Entrepreneurs General Association and Chairman of Hangzhou Minsheng Pharmaceutical Holding Group Co., Ltd.; You Xiangdong, Chairman of the Big Health Committee of the Zhejiang Entrepreneurs General Association and President of Zheshang Venture Capital Co., Ltd.Awaiting attendance.
The Health Conference, now in its sixth edition, positions health as the core component of human and social development. Each previous edition has focused on the latest advancements, opportunities, challenges, and solutions in the global health sector, attracting numerous medical experts, researchers, and industry leaders to jointly explore how innovative technologies such as AI and diversified collaborative approaches can enhance health outcomes in China and worldwide.
At the beginning of the meeting,Chen Zhu, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's CongressIn his written address to the conference, he stated that with the rapid development of the economy and society and the accelerating pace of population aging, the public’s growing demand for better health is continuously driving the research, development, and application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the healthcare sector. AI plays a significant role in areas such as medical imaging diagnosis, clinical decision support, precision medicine, health management, drug discovery, and robotic assistants. Currently, the application of AI in China’s healthcare sector remains in an exploratory stage, with technical standards, clinical application guidelines, and ethical principles still inadequate. It is therefore imperative to accelerate the establishment of a comprehensive standard system for AI applications in healthcare, strengthen regulatory oversight of AI-based medical products, and ensure that they serve the cause of human health under the premises of safety and efficacy.
Chen Zhu, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress
As the organizer of the conference,You XiangdongIn his address, he first extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests in attendance. He stated that this conference aims to pool collective wisdom to discuss the prospects and blueprint for AI applications in the healthcare sector. We should explore new pathways for AI to help decode the mysteries of disease, enhance the efficacy of diagnosis and treatment, and optimize health services; engage in the research and translation of AI technologies to drive the intelligent development of the health industry; and promote the transformation and upgrading of the broader health industry by integrating resources and strengthening collaboration.
You Xiangdong, Chairman of the General Health Committee of the Zhejiang Entrepreneurs Association and President of Zhejiang Merchants Venture Capital Co., Ltd.
Song LiIn his address, he stated that technological innovation is reshaping the landscape of the medical and healthcare industry at an astonishing pace. The application of technologies such as artificial intelligence has made personalized diagnosis and treatment possible, while significantly enhancing the convenience of clinical practices. Currently, there is a broad consensus on supporting and incentivizing comprehensive innovation in the medical and healthcare sector. The Zhejiang Entrepreneurs Association will fully leverage its advantages in resource integration to build an efficient innovation and exchange platform for entrepreneurs and scientists in the big health sector, further promoting the application of technological innovations and fostering high-quality development of the industry.
Song Li, Party Secretary, Vice President, and Secretary-General of the Zhejiang Entrepreneurs Association
Sun JingmiaoIn his address, he stated that AI is reshaping the healthcare industry at an unprecedented pace, bringing new development opportunities to the sector. Themed “AI and Human Health,” this Health Conference aims to establish a high-level platform for exchange, gathering wisdom and strength from all sectors to jointly explore the innovative applications and development prospects of AI in the field of healthcare. Through in-depth discussions and exchanges, we are confident in seizing the pulse of the times, leading industry trends, and contributing our wisdom and strength to promote the prosperous development of healthcare in China and around the world. We must continue to increase investment and support in the field of AI-driven healthcare, promote the deep integration of industry, academia, research, and application, and build an innovation hub for healthcare with international competitiveness.
Sun Jingmiao, Former Vice Governor of Zhejiang Provincial People's Government, Former Vice Chairman of the 12th Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and Deputy Director of the Zhejiang Provincial Government Advisory Committee
From the opening remarks delivered by distinguished guests, it is clear that the 2024 Health Conference serves not only as a platform for intellectual exchange but also as a starting point for action. The conference will inspire industry peers to collaborate in leveraging AI technology to drive innovation and breakthroughs in healthcare, enhance human health through the power of technology, and jointly move toward a healthier and smarter future.
In the keynote session of this conference, three academicians were specially invited to deliver speeches, sharing forward-looking academic insights and broadening the academic horizons of the attendees. First,Huang He, Vice President of Nanjing Normal University and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, delivered a keynote address titled “Synthetic Biology Empowering Food Manufacturing to Facilitate the Upgrading and Development of the Big Health Industry.”He noted that synthetic biology has garnered significant attention, standing alongside intelligent manufacturing and semiconductor chips as a prominent topic. Through case studies, he demonstrated the feasibility of leveraging synthetic biology to improve food additives, highlighting its immense potential and broad prospects in promoting the healthy development of the food industry and fostering new quality productive forces.
Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Vice President of Nanjing Normal University Huang He
Pan Yunhe, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Professor at Zhejiang University, delivered a speech on “Trends in Intelligent Medicine (AI + Healthcare).”Starting with the practical significance of integrating AI 2.0 with healthcare and pharmaceuticals, President Pan provided an in-depth analysis of the development trajectory of intelligent medicine and strategies for seizing current opportunities. He emphasized the critical importance and evolving trends of artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector, detailing five key directions for the advancement of intelligent medicine. Through specific case studies, he demonstrated AI applications in medical diagnosis, treatment, and health management, while also highlighting the potential of AI for early disease prevention and personalized therapy. He asserted that AI technology will play a pivotal role in advancing medical and health initiatives both in China and globally, thereby fostering high-quality economic and social development.
Pan Yunhe, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Professor at Zhejiang University
Subsequently,Huang Hefeng, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a reproductive medicine specialist, and Dean of the School of Medicine at Zhejiang University, delivered a presentation titled “AI-Empowered Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment”She primarily introduced the applications of artificial intelligence in clinical medicine, with a particular focus on chromosome analysis, gene sequencing, genetic counseling, and the diagnosis of rare diseases. She also shared technical and research achievements from collaborations with institutions such as Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Fudan University, including AI-assisted analysis of chromosome images, AI-based screening for genetic disorders, and multidisciplinary programs targeting newborns. She emphasized the importance of big data, noting that the development of AI technology relies heavily on robust data support. Through specific case studies, she demonstrated how AI helps physicians make more accurate diagnoses, provide personalized treatment plans, and ultimately improve patient prognosis.
Huang Hefeng, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Dean of the School of Medicine at Zhejiang University
At the conference on “AI and Human Health,” the insightful remarks delivered by three academicians collectively illustrated the close relationship between frontier technologies such as AI and human health, as well as the broad application prospects of AI in the healthcare sector. Their presentations resonated strongly with many attendees and provided valuable insights and direction for the future transformation of the medical industry.
The conference established an overseas live connection, linking toQian Xiang, Advisor to the Big Health Committee of the Zhejiang Entrepreneurs General Association, Tenured Director and Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and Founding President of the Society of Chinese American Practicing Physicians (SCAPE); Pan Dawei, Founder of Shanghai Baijin Tongying Consulting & Management Co., Ltd., and former General Manager of Sanofi (China) and Boehringer Ingelheim (China), both expressed their best wishes for the conference and shared insights on the development and future of global “AI and Human Health” from the perspectives of scholars and entrepreneurs.
Professor Qian XiangWith the Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry being awarded to the field of artificial intelligence for the first time this year, NVIDIA has topped the list of the world’s most valuable companies thanks to its continuous breakthroughs in AI computing chips and hardware architecture, while OpenAI has released a new model that enhances capabilities in natural language processing. Citing these examples, Professor Qian Xiang stated that the development of AI, along with the widespread adoption of automated diagnostic tools and predictive analytics, can improve the equity of healthcare resource allocation.
Xiang Qian, Advisor to the General Health Committee of the Zhejiang Entrepreneurs Association, Tenured Director and Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and Founding President of the Society of Chinese American Physicians in Education (SCAPE)
Mr. Pan DaweiAI is poised to reshape the global healthcare landscape for patients and consumers. By leveraging genetic information and individual patient data to obtain more actionable insights, we can tailor treatment plans to meet each patient’s specific needs, empowering everyone to become an active participant in their own care rather than a passive recipient.
Pan Dawei, Founder of Shanghai Baijin Tongying Consulting & Management Co., Ltd., and Former General Manager of Sanofi (China) and Boehringer Ingelheim (China)
At the meeting,Huadong Medicine, Quanzhen Medicine, Shouxiangu, Huijian Technology, Meikang BioFive medical enterprises unveiled their new AI-related technologies and products on-site. These innovative achievements not only demonstrate Zhejiang Province’s robust strength in the fields of healthcare and artificial intelligence but also fill us with great expectations for the future.
Huadong Medicine, Quanzhen Medicine, Shouxiangu, Huijian Technology, Meikang Bio
Against the backdrop of the “Healthy China 2030” national strategy, stakeholders are continuously expanding a rich ecosystem of applications—including intelligent diagnosis and treatment, computer-aided diagnosis, new drug R&D, clinical trials, and breeding optimization—by leveraging AI and other digital-intelligent capabilities as their foundation, thereby promoting the advancement of digital intelligence in the medical field through innovative AI solutions.
The roundtable forum at this conference was moderated byZheng Jie, Chairman and President of Shulan Medical Group, and Dean of the Zhejiang Institute of Digital Healthcare TechnologyModerated a discussion with guest speakers on the theme of “Yin and Yang in the AI+ Era.”Wang Bo, Executive Chairman of the Shanghai Medical Innovation and Development Foundation, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Alliance for Precision Medicine Research and Industrial Development, and Secretary-General of the Medical Innovation and Development Foundation; Pei Duanqing, Assistant to the President of Westlake University and Professor at the School of Life Sciences; Xiang Peng, Director of the Smart Healthcare Center at the Institute of Computer Innovation Technology, Zhejiang University, and Director of the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Informatics at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine; Jiang Chunhua, Deputy General Manager of the Global R&D Center for Innovative Drugs at Huadong MedicineExamining the application scenarios of AI in the broader health sector from their respective perspectives, they analyze the current pain points hindering the development of the health industry and propose recommendations for high-quality growth models in this field.
“Yin and Yang in the AI+ Era” Roundtable Forum
At the conclusion of the conference,Zhao Jian, Chairman of Zhejiang Insigma Group Co., Ltd.Delivering the closing remarks for the conference, he stated that in the life and health industry, advancements in artificial intelligence and synthetic biology are creating new development opportunities in biopharmaceuticals, precision diagnosis and treatment, health management, and medical devices, thereby making it possible to achieve leapfrog growth that transcends economic cycles.
Zhao Jian, Chairman of Zhejiang Insigma Group Co., Ltd.
From the inaugural conference’s exploration of the theme “China’s Health Promoting Global Health, Universal Health Advancing Human Health,” to the fifth edition’s focus on “Healthy Development and Common Prosperity,” and now to this year’s core agenda of “AI and Human Health,” we have jointly witnessed the development of China’s health industry and the progress of technological innovation.
In an interview with media outlets including VCBeat, You Xiangdong also stated that the Grand Health Committee of the Zhejiang Entrepreneurs Association is committed to leading the transformation of scientific and technological achievements in the health industry and facilitating its industrial upgrading. He pointed out, “AI technology has become deeply embedded in our daily lives, particularly in the medical field, where it is widely applied in assisted diagnosis, new drug development, target screening, drug molecule structure screening, as well as research on genetic and gene-related diseases, bringing revolutionary changes to the industry. More importantly, AI is fostering a new cognitive paradigm—enabling tasks that were previously beyond the reach of physicians. This is precisely the original intention behind choosing ‘AI and Human Health’ as the theme of this conference: we hope to resonate with both industry and academia, promote cooperation and deep integration through this event, and thereby drive the high-quality development of China’s healthcare industry.”