Expert: Anhui leads the way in medical innovation

In the realm of medical innovation, East China's Anhui province has taken a pioneering step by promoting the transformation of research achievements into practical industrial applications. Such efforts are helping to propel China to the forefront of global healthcare advancements. These developments were highlighted by Tian Zhigang, the director of the Institute of Immunology at the University of Science and Technology of China.

Tian, who serves as the founding director of the Institute of Health and Medicine at the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center (HCNSC), delivered his remarks during the 25th edition of the Grand Union of Innovation (GUi) Frontier Dialogue on July 2.

The inauguration of the Institute of Health and Medicine of HCNSC on Oct 8, 2021, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance and upgrade the biomedical industry in Hefei and the broader Anhui province.

Between 2023 and March 2025, the institute received over 100 project applications from researchers and organizations worldwide. These applications included prestigious domestic institutions such as Tsinghua University and Peking University, known for their academic excellence, as well as prominent industry players like BioMetas, Cshmedi, and OneTar Biomedicine.

The institute plans to reach 200 projects with a total market value of 1 trillion yuan ($14 billion) in 10 years, utilizing the GUi's innovative ecosystem to meet this challenging goal.

HanGene, a biotech company based in the GUi, is working to lower cancer screening costs with its ScanTecc technology. With vital support from the GUi, including an equity investment of 3 million yuan, alumni network resources, and streamlined approval processes, the company is bridging the gap between lab research and market application.

Tian gives a speech at the GU iFrontier Dialogue.