Kakao Brain, a subsidiary of Korea's internet giant Kakao, and Ajou University Medical Center (AJMC) said they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop and enhance a mega-scale AI-based medical imaging diagnostic solution.
Through this partnership, both organizations will focus on building infrastructure for data-driven research, medical consultation and academic exchange, and evaluating the performance of mega-scale AI models for potential commercial applications.
They intend to concentrate on the development of AI models that support comprehensive medical imaging interpretations, such as chest X-rays, mammograms, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs.
AUMC anticipates that this collaboration on the development of diverse medical imaging diagnostic solutions based on the mega-scale AI model will significantly enhance the technical prowess of the hospital.
"This collaboration signifies a critical turning point for AUMC, which is striving to build a patient-centered smart hospital infrastructure," Professor Lim Sang-hyun, the director of the planning and coordination office at AUMC said. "Teaming up with Kakao Brain, recognized for its prowess in AI, will maximize the capabilities of AI medical technologies beyond big data."
Lim added that the two institutions aim to offer patients the most accurate and safest personalized medical services based on the latest AI.
Kakao Brain CEO Kim Il-doo also said, "To develop the world's largest AI medical imaging diagnostic solution, we will closely collaborate with hospitals like AUMC."
The company believes this cooperation will be instrumental for Kakao Brain to secure a unique position in the global medical imaging domain leveraging its mega-scale multi-modal AI technology, Kim added.
AUMC plays a pivotal role in treating critical emergency and trauma patients, as well as patients with severe incurable diseases. It centers its services around 13 cancer centers, regional emergency medical centers, and regional trauma centers.
The hospital's innovative medical device support center, designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, has established an integrated support system for the entire lifecycle of medical devices. Notably, it became the first tertiary general hospital in Korea to acquire the ISO 21001 (Educational Organization Management System) international standard certification in August 2021.
The hospital also secured the ISO 14155 certification, an international standard for conducting clinical trials for medical devices, in September of last year.
Kakao Brain, a global AI technology research and development (R&D) company headquartered in Korea, is developing AI-based solutions that can transform lifestyles. It has formed business agreements with several prestigious university hospitals in Korea, including AUMC, and is actively conducting joint research to advance mega-scale AI technology in the medical field.