HUST and AstraZeneca Establish the AZ–HUST Health Innovation Center

On December 14, Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), in collaboration with the Vietnam Young Physicians Association, organized the "Comprehensive Healthcare Access through Healthcare Innovation" meeting at Thong Nhat Park, Hanoi. Notably, within the framework of the ceremony, Hanoi University of Science and Technology and AstraZeneca Group officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on healthcare innovation and launched the AZ–HUST Health Innovation Center.

The program is implemented in the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on developing science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation; Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthrough solutions to strengthen protection, care, and improvement of people's health; along with the General Secretary's directive on the goal of "Every citizen having a health check-up at least once a year." Simultaneously, the event was launched to welcome the 5th Congress of the Vietnam Young Physicians Association for the 2025–2030 term.
  Strategic Cooperation between Hanoi University of Science and Technology and AstraZeneca

The MoU to implement the healthcare innovation project was signed by Assoc. Prof. Huỳnh Quyết Thắng - President of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, and Mr. Atul Tandon - General Director of AstraZeneca Vietnam.

According to the agreement, the AZ–HUST Health Innovation Center will be located at the AI4LIFE Institute of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, with main activities including:

- Research and application of AI and digital transformation in healthcare to detect non-communicable diseases early, optimize medical examination and treatment processes, and support clinical decision-making.

- Incubation and support for healthtech and medtech startups, connecting with AstraZeneca's global A.Catalyst network.

- Piloting and verifying digital health solutions, bringing technology from research into clinical practice.

- Training and capacity building for doctors, engineers, and researchers in the field of medical AI.

- Promoting interdisciplinary cooperation among universities, hospitals, research institutes, businesses, and regulatory agencies.

The AZ–HUST Health Innovation Center will also serve as a place to display and introduce advanced medical technology solutions, contributing to Vietnam's stronger integration into the global smart healthcare trend.
  One of the Health Innovation Center's key projects is developing an AI-powered medical chatbot, selectively trained on official diagnostic and treatment guidelines from the Ministry of Health and verified professional documents. The system provides information with clear source citations and issuance dates, supporting doctors in clinical decision-making, contributing to standardizing practice, and improving patient care quality, especially at the grassroots level.

Towards a Sustainable Healthcare Innovation Ecosystem

Speaking at the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Huynh Quyet Thang – President of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, committed that the University would mobilize its maximum academic capacity, human resources, and international cooperation network to work with AstraZeneca and partners. Together, they aim to build a sustainable, responsible, and patient-centric healthcare innovation ecosystem, aligned with the Party and State's major orientations on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.
  According to Assoc. Prof. Huynh Quyet Thang, the establishment of the Health Innovation Center within the framework of the A.Catalyst Network is clear evidence of an effective cooperation model between University - Business - Regulatory Agency - Startup Ecosystem.

"The Center will be a place to incubate ideas, train human resources, promote interdisciplinary research, and support the commercialization of AI-applied healthcare solutions, contributing to solving major challenges such as preventing non-communicable diseases, and diagnosing and managing diseases for the people," the HUST President stated.

Mr. Atul Tandon - General Director of AstraZeneca Vietnam, noted that in the context of a rapidly aging population and changing environment, non-communicable diseases are increasingly rising in Vietnam, with 41.5% of deaths occurring before age 70. Additionally, the disparity in access to quality healthcare services between urban and rural areas remains significant.
  "This is the time we need new and bold steps!" affirmed the General Director of AstraZeneca Vietnam.

The cooperative initiative between Hanoi University of Science and Technology and AstraZeneca is a strong response to Resolution 57-NQ/TW and Resolution 72-NQ/TW of the Politburo. The vision of the parties through this event is clearly demonstrated: Applying artificial intelligence and digital technology to completely change the way complex diseases like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases are detected, diagnosed, and treated—through AI research centers, startup support programs, and international cooperation, while jointly developing medical solutions suitable for Vietnam's characteristics.

Mr. Atul Tandon emphasized: "The project is a driving force for comprehensive change, helping to strengthen Vietnam's healthcare system, ensuring that every citizen from the capital to the most remote areas has access to advanced healthcare."

Experiencing Medical Technology in the Community Space

One of the event's attractions was the exhibition and experience area for AI-applied medical solutions developed by the Institute for Research and Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI4LIFE) under Hanoi University of Science and Technology and its partners. These solutions demonstrate the ability to combine academic research with practical needs.
  Additionally, automated screening stations for dangerous diseases were set up, helping people access initial screening services conveniently, contributing to raising awareness about preventive medicine and early detection of non-communicable disease risks.

The "Comprehensive Healthcare Access" photo exhibition vividly recreated medical examination and treatment activities in remote areas, search and rescue missions, as well as the frontline efforts in COVID-19 prevention and control by the Vietnam Young Physicians Association, thereby clearly portraying the spirit of dedication and social responsibility of the young medical force.

Furthermore, the free health consultation and screening area, with the participation of doctors from central-level hospitals, brought high-quality healthcare closer to the people, true to the spirit of "healthcare for the community" that the program aims for.

The "Comprehensive Healthcare Access through Healthcare Innovation" meeting is a testament to the efforts of agencies, organizations, and the team of physicians and scientists in bringing quality healthcare services closer to the people thanks to innovation and digital technology. The event is expected to create momentum for forming new healthcare models, promoting preventive medicine, and contributing to realizing the goal of universal healthcare in the new development phase.

Hanoi University of Science and Technology accompanies Vietnam's healthcare sector with strong research capabilities, an excellent team of scientists, and a pioneering spirit in digital transformation, contributing to bringing innovative solutions directly to the people; affirming the responsibility of a leading technical-technological university, pursuing the guiding principle throughout its journey of construction and development: "Responsibility to the country, commitment to the community."