From 5 –8 November 2024, Professor Kannie Chan, the Director of the Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-cardiovascular Health Engineering (COCHE), and Ms. Solina Ngai, the Executive Director of COCHE, along with other representatives, visited Shanghai to establish a solid foundation for COCHE's upcoming development in the healthcare innovation and technology. The goal is to foster and enhance an ecosystem that integrates industry, academia, research, commercialization, and clinical expertise focusing on cardiovascular disease (CVD) predication and prevention.
On 5 November 2024, at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai (CIIE), a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Wuxi International Life-Science Innovation Campus (I•Campus), AstraZeneca China and COCHE. This partnership represents a crucial step forward in enhancing innovation in cerebro-cardiovascular healthcare. The collaboration aims to advance medical technologies, facilitate the translation of innovative technologies, and support the high-quality evolution of related healthcare sectors. Moreover, to align with national strategies that prioritize the growth of strategic industries, this initiative will enhance Hong Kong's role as a global hub for medical innovations, especially in biopharmaceutical technologies, underscoring COCHE’s commitment to a sustainable development and innovation in healthcare.
During our visit to the biopharmaceutical and medical device section at the CIIE on 6 November 2024, which composed of booths of leaders in the field, such as GE Healthcare, BD, Abbott, MSD, AstraZeneca, Roche, and Pfizer. Engaging with dedicated representatives at each booth, we had insightful discussion and exchange on the latest advancements in their products and technologies, enriching our views on the cutting-edge development in the biopharmaceutical and medical devices sector worldwide.
COCHE also signed an intention MOU with Shanghai Innovation Bank (SSIB) on 7 November 2024 to provide additional opportunities for startups to expedite the commercialization and expand their business. This intention for collaboration could cultivate emerging business models for enterprises in science and technology by utilizing shared resources and aligned values. By leveraging their combined expertise, SSIB and COCHE will drive innovation in the medical and healthcare fields, facilitating the convergence of technology and finance while fostering the development of innovative businesses throughout Mainland China, Hong Kong, and beyond. This collaboration aims to create a 'science and technology + finance' innovative framework, providing a comprehensive support for entrepreneurs at every stage of their business development.
The MOU was signed on 8 November 2024, between Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital (Shanghai Renji Hospital) and COCHE, which has initiated a collaboration aimed at the early screening, monitoring and diagnosis of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. This partnership will focus on international multi-center clinical research, innovative medical product development, and comprehensive CVD prevention and treatment networks. By forming strong and extensive clinical networks, COCHE aims to further promote technology transfer, bring clinical insights to inform and expedite medical technology development. This is not just connecting community healthcare to the clinical healthcare, importantly, by leveraging clinical experiences and multi-center international clinical studies, COCHE and partners will join hands to bring accessible and real-time medical technology for a holistic CVD healthcare. This initiative supports the National Health Commission 's goal of strengthening cooperation between Mainland China and Hong Kong, positioning Hong Kong as a global hub for medical innovation.
On 8 November 2024, Fudan University's School of Management and COCHE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a partnership focused on collaboration in scientific and managerial fields. This agreement aims to advance technology, commercialize innovations, and develop talent in medical science and technology. The partnership will cover the entire innovation lifecycle, from incubation to public listing, fostering synergy between technology and management to cultivate business leaders and promote interdisciplinary collaboration. The establishment of the "School of Management at Fudan University - COCHE Innovation Center" and the promotion of mutual listings will enhance scientific and technological innovation in Shanghai and Hong Kong, aligning with regional development strategies and boosting international cooperation.
The COCHE Shanghai trip was beyond a typical business trip. It represents a strategic initiative that builds a range of valuable collaborations, innovations, and partnerships for enriching the ecosystem of healthcare technologies. The foundations laid during this trip are poised to thrive, bringing COCHE towards new heights in healthcare innovation and technology. Furthermore, it is an important milestone to indicate the shared vision and mission between COCHE and partners, who are dedicated to work together closely to bring advanced accessible medical technology to benefit needed population at large and timely.
Kommentarer