Over 5,000 Attend Online as Five Cutting-Edge Projects Debut at Tsinghua University’s Medical & Health Tech Transfer Roadshow

The entry of scientists has unleashed unprecedented vitality in the medical innovation sector. By bringing cutting-edge research findings into the industry, they are shifting the focus of innovation capabilities from following to original R&D.

However, bridging the gap is essential for translating scientific achievements into market-ready products. As the primary “protective umbrella” for scientists, research institutes naturally bear the responsibility of facilitating the smooth commercialization of scientific outcomes. In addition to providing a favorable environment for innovation and R&D, they must also offer specialized value-added services to establish channels and platforms that connect scientists with market-oriented resources.

On the afternoon of June 24, 2022, to create more opportunities for “mutual engagement” between scientists and investment institutions as well as industrial enterprises, the Institute for Technology Transfer of Tsinghua University, in collaboration with research institutes such as the Institute for Medical Engineering Interdisciplinary Research of Tsinghua University and the Institute for Precision Medicine of Tsinghua University, along with industry partners including Legend Capital, Hillhouse Ventures, Bohe Angel, Chang Development, and VCBeat Orange Bureau, hosted the 19th Tsinghua University Technology Achievement Commercialization Roadshow—“Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare” Special Session. Wang Yan, Dean of the Institute for Technology Transfer, presided over the roadshow and delivered the opening remarks.

Zhang Xinrui, Director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Technology Transfer, Institute for Technology Transfer, Tsinghua University

Prior to the roadshow, Ms. Zhang Xinrui, Director of Medical and Health Technology Transfer at the Institute for Technology Transfer of Tsinghua University, provided a detailed overview of technology commercialization in the medical and health sectors at Tsinghua University. Between 2015 and 2021, projects in these fields accounted for 13% of the university’s total technology transfer initiatives. Among these, 42% involved medical devices and in vitro diagnostics (IVD), 22% focused on innovative drugs and novel therapies, and the remainder covered other areas of biomedicine.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the personal visions of scientists in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors have become highly aligned with national priorities and public needs. Through this initiative, we aim to accelerate the translation of basic research findings into novel therapeutic approaches, develop innovative products that truly meet clinical demands, and ultimately benefit patients and society at large.

This roadshow focuses on the “Medicine and Healthcare” sector, showcasing the cutting-edge achievements of Tsinghua University’s research teams in overcoming critical challenges in emergency care, critical care, clinical practice, diagnostics, and other medical fields. Key highlights include the release ofProfessor Fu Yangxin from the Medical School’s “Tumor Immune Targeted Therapy Technology,” Professor Lin Xin, Director of the Department of Basic Medicine, with his “T Cell Immunotherapy Technology,” Professor Zheng Gangtie from the School of Aerospace Engineering with his “Intelligent Interventional Surgical Robot,” Associate Professor Jia Yichang from the Medical School with his “Animal Models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Potential Therapeutic Targets,” and Associate Professor Zhao Qian from the Department of Mechanical Engineering with his “Intelligent Wireless Metasurface MRI Coil”Five Achievements. The research leads of each project team provided detailed introductions to the project status, technological innovations and advantages, development plans, collaboration needs, core teams, and other relevant aspects.

· Roadshow Project: Tumor Immunotherapy Targeting Technology

 Professor Yangxin Fu, Chair Professor at Tsinghua University and Expert in the Field of Tumor Immunology

·Roadshow Project: T-Cell Immunotherapy Technology

 Professor Lin Xin, Tenured Professor at Tsinghua University, Chair of the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Expert in the Field of Cellular Immunology

· Roadshow Project: Intelligent Interventional Surgical Robot

 Zheng Gangtie, Professor at Tsinghua University and Director of the Center for Digital Healthcare and Medical Robotics

· Roadshow Project: Animal Models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Technologies for Potential Therapeutic Targets

 Jia Yichang, Associate Professor at the School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, and an expert in the field of neurodegenerative diseases

· Roadshow Project: Intelligent Wireless Metasurface MRI Coil

 Zhao Qian, Associate Professor at Tsinghua University and Expert in the Field of Electromagnetic Metamaterials

To gain a deeper understanding of the innovative projects, offline guests—including Ms. Zou Xi, Investment Director at Legend Capital; Mr. Chang Nannan, Executive Director at Hillhouse Ventures; Mr. Hou Jian, Partner at Angel Fund; Mr. Lv Bing, Executive General Manager of Changke Jin Company under Changfa Development; and Associate Professor Guo Xiaohuan, Deputy Dean of the Technology Transfer Institute—along with online attendees, engaged in in-depth discussions with scientists on topics such as technology, core team building, and future development strategies.

Driven by both policy and market forces, the field of medical innovation and translation is currently experiencing unprecedented momentum. Nevertheless, we must remain clear-eyed: the journey from scientific concept to laboratory breakthroughs, then to technological maturation, product development, and ultimately industrial commercialization, is arduous and protracted.

Therefore, as the technology transfer arm of Tsinghua University’s scientific and technological achievements, the Tsinghua University Institute for Technology Transfer will continue to strengthen its professional capabilities. While providing a robust platform for scientists’ R&D efforts, it will also create more opportunities to connect innovative scientific projects with market-oriented resources. This will facilitate “two-way engagement” between scientists and industry stakeholders—including entrepreneurs and investors—jointly accelerating the commercialization of cutting-edge medical advancements.