Roche Diagnostics China Signs Two Memoranda of Understanding to Advance Digital Healthcare Innovation in China

Roche Diagnostics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. on March 12 signed two memoranda of understanding with Shanghai United Imaging Intelligence Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as United Imaging) and the Intelligent and Digital Surgery Committee of the Shanghai Medical Doctor Association (hereinafter referred to as Committee).

The agreements mark a key move in Roche Diagnostics China' ongoing commitment to digital healthcare. By bringing together the industry partner and association, the collaborations aim to leverage complementary strengths and jointly build a digital health innovation ecosystem. Through these partnerships, the parties will work to improve clinical efficiency, accelerate the development of digital medical technologies, and support the cultivation of healthcare talents.

Empowering precision medicine with AI and co-build digital healthcare ecosystem

In 2025, China's National Development and Reform Commission encouraged broader participation from innovators in the development of a national AI application pilot base. The initiative aims to accelerate the translation of technological breakthroughs into real-world applications and address a long-standing challenge: the disconnect between advanced technologies and clinical needs.

Against this backdrop, the collaboration between Roche Diagnostics China and United Imaging Intelligence represents a concrete step towards that vision. The partnership will further integrate artificial intelligence into clinical diagnostics and care, supporting the continued advancement of precision medicine.

As part of the collaboration, the two sides will advance practical applications of artificial intelligence in China's healthcare sector. Roche Diagnostics' expertise in in vitro diagnostics, oncology testing, and data integration will be combined with United Imaging's capabilities in medical large models and AI-powered imaging analysis. The partnership is set to overcome barriers in translating technology into clinical practice and broaden the use of AI across precision medicine, intelligent hospital management, and other healthcare scenarios.

In parallel, the partnership will explore new commercialization models of the end-to-end digital solution for liver disease management in China. Building on the successful deployment of joint solutions, the two parties will pursue scalable approaches to expand integrated offerings across hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and academic institutions nationwide. The aim is to establish a long-term collaboration framework and move beyond traditional supplier-buyer dynamics so as to jointly foster an open, mutually beneficial digital healthcare ecosystem in China for China.

Moritz Hartmann, global head of Roche Information Solutions, said, "Digital healthcare and artificial intelligence are at the heart of the transformation of the healthcare industry, and Roche is committed to expanding the boundaries of diagnostics and care through innovative technologies. This collaboration with United Imaging represents an important step in combining our global digital health expertise with local needs in China. We are looking forward to working together to take steps in bringing new innovation to clinical practice."

Dr. Zhan Yiqiang, chief operating officer of United Imaging Intelligence, said, "United Imaging Intelligence has long been committed to promoting the deep integration of artificial intelligence technology with clinical diagnosis and treatment, and accelerating the transformation and application of innovative achievements. In the future, we will fully leverage our strengths in areas such as medical multimodal large models, and work with Roche Diagnostics China to overcome technological bottlenecks, jointly create a benchmark AI agent for liver disease, explore new commercialization models for digital healthcare, and empower the high-quality development of China's healthcare industry."

Fostering talent and advancing standardization in intelligent surgery

The rapid development of intelligent and digital surgery technologies is creating new opportunities for transforming surgical care, but challenges remain, including inconsistent technology adoption and a shortage of specialized professionals. The collaboration with the Intelligent and Digital Surgery Committee of the Shanghai Medical Doctor Association addresses these industry challenges by focusing on key pain points and building a platform for collaborative development.

Under the framework of the MoU, Roche Diagnostics China will serve as a strategic partner of the Committee, actively participating in academic exchanges, technology promotion, and talent development initiatives. Through a sustained collaboration mechanism, Roche Diagnostics' technological expertise will be integrated with the Committee's clinical resources to co-build an intelligent and digital healthcare ecosystem and set industry benchmarks in China. In addition, the two parties will leverage clinical insights to jointly conduct technology research and innovation, enhancing the practical value of digital products and accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge solutions in perioperative management and pathological diagnostics.

Roche Diagnostics China will also provide technical support and training, helping clinicians strengthen their skills in intelligent diagnostics and digital surgery. By nurturing a new generation of digitally literate, multidisciplinary medical professionals, the partnership aims to lay a foundation for the long-term development of the industry. This collaboration reflects Roche Diagnostics China' commitment to corporate social responsibility and its active role in building a robust industry ecosystem.

Prof. Qin Lunxiu, president of the Intelligent and Digital Surgery Committee of the Shanghai Medical Doctor Association, deputy director and head of Surgery at Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, said, "The rapid development of intelligent and digital surgical technologies has brought new opportunities for the transformation of surgical diagnosis and treatment models. However, we also face challenges such as inconsistent technology adoption and a shortage of specialized professionals. This collaboration with Roche Diagnostics China will effectively integrate our respective strengths, enhance academic exchange and talent cultivation, and promote the standardized clinical application of intelligent and digital surgery, laying a solid foundation for the industry's sustainable development."

Francis Kee, head of Roche Information Solutions, China, said, "We are committed to a 'In China for China' approach to localized innovation. The two agreements represent not only a strategic effort to connect industry partners and integrate quality resources, but also a concrete step toward accelerating the adoption of innovative digital healthcare solutions for the benefit of more patients. Looking ahead, we will leverage key initiatives such as the liver disease AI agent with United Imaging Intelligence, alongside our talent development collaboration with the association, to strengthen the digital healthcare innovation ecosystem and harness digital solutions to deliver more precise and efficient medical care in China."

The signing of the two agreements underscores Roche Diagnostics' ongoing commitment to advancing digital and intelligent transformation in healthcare in China. Building on these collaborations, Roche Diagnostics China will continue to leverage its innovation capabilities, deepen partnerships across the industry, and place patient needs at the center to drive the development and adoption of medical technologies, supporting the high-quality growth of China's healthcare sector.