Leidos, a technology services provider, has announced a $10 million investment in a five-year collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh’s Computational Pathology and AI Center of Excellence (CPACE). This partnership aims to enhance the use of artificial intelligence in disease detection and management.
Key Objectives of the Collaboration
- Develop AI-powered tools for faster detection of diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
- Reduce diagnostic turnaround times to enable earlier and more effective care management.
- Support the advancement of the university’s Digital Pathology Research Center.
- Explore new imaging methods and advanced scanning technologies for analyzing tissue samples.
- Enhance educational programs to cultivate future healthcare specialists.
According to Leidos CEO Tom Bell, “Our investment is aimed at using the power of artificial intelligence to speed detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect millions of people annually.” The collaboration also emphasizes expanding healthcare access to underserved communities.
Impact on Healthcare Delivery
The partnership is expected to redefine healthcare delivery and disease management by merging academic excellence with technological innovation. Anantha Shekhar, senior vice chancellor for health sciences at UPitt, noted that this collaboration will enhance the university’s leadership in advancing diagnostics and healthcare delivery.
Educational Initiatives
The initiative will also focus on developing the next generation of healthcare and AI innovators through:
- Comprehensive educational programs.
- Industry-focused best practices.
- Annual symposiums.
- Hands-on internship opportunities with Leidos experts.
Broader Trends in AI and Healthcare
Many organizations are increasingly utilizing AI to improve disease detection capabilities. Leidos aims to expand its AI capabilities beyond traditional government customers and is exploring innovative partnerships to enhance its offerings.
Hooman Rashidi, executive director of CPACE, stated, “We want these tools to impact as many people as possible globally. Leidos can help get them into many more hands, ensuring that they are validated properly and navigate the right regulatory frameworks.”
This collaboration positions both Leidos and the University of Pittsburgh at the forefront of AI-driven healthcare solutions, aiming to improve patient outcomes and advance the field of digital pathology.