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Leidos Invests in AI Technology for Disease Detection

Leidos, renowned for its technology and service solutions, has announced a significant investment of $10 million aimed at revolutionizing the field of disease detection and management. This strategic initiative is in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh, specifically through its Computational Pathology and AI Center of Excellence (CPACE). The partnership intends to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence to expedite the detection and treatment of diseases that impact millions of individuals each year.

The focus will primarily be on developing AI-driven tools that can rapidly detect prevalent diseases such as heart conditions and cancer. By minimizing diagnostic turnaround times, this collaboration aims to facilitate earlier and more effective medical intervention. As Leidos' CEO Tom Bell emphasized, this investment is not solely about technological advancement, but also about creating future health care specialists and expanding access to healthcare for underserved communities, including veterans.

Leidos has a long-standing history with the National Cancer Institute, having operated the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research for over 25 years. This background reinforces their commitment to the fight against cancer while simultaneously integrating AI into various sectors, including healthcare, national security, and energy. The partnership presents an opportunity to further enhance care for military families and veterans through improved access and continuity of care.

Key Objectives of the Collaboration

Leidos and the University of Pittsburgh have outlined several key objectives surrounding their partnership:

1. Establishing a Cutting-Edge Research Hub: The University of Pittsburgh will enhance its CPACE by advancing its Digital Pathology Research Center, driving innovative research in the realm of digital pathology and AI-based diagnostics.

2. Developing Digital Healthcare Solutions: The initiative will solidify the University of Pittsburgh's leadership in this domain, while allowing Leidos to create groundbreaking solutions tailored towards digital health and diagnostic purposes.

3. Accelerating Global Impact: This collaboration intends to utilize AI-powered digital pathology solutions throughout both public and private healthcare systems, aspiring to lead the commercialization of advanced health tech.

As Anantha Shekhar, Senior Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, highlighted, the merger of academic innovation with Leidos' technological prowess marks a significant step towards advancing diagnostic methods and overall healthcare delivery.

Ongoing Research and Workforce Development

The multi-year effort between Leidos and the University of Pittsburgh aims to drive advancement in three critical areas:

• - Joint Research Initiatives: Unveiling new imaging technologies and improved techniques for medical imaging analysis, with particular focus on analyzing tissue samples with enhanced accuracy.
• - Educational Outreach: Creating comprehensive educational programs geared towards cultivating the next generation of healthcare professionals and AI innovators through collaboration with industry leaders like Leidos, encompassing best practices, symposiums, and internship opportunities.
• - Global Accessibility of Technology: Hooman Rashidi, the Executive Director of CPACE, mentioned that the goal is to make these advanced tools prevalent globally, ensuring they pass the necessary regulatory requirements and validation processes.

This partnership exemplifies a commitment to not only technological innovation but also to societal benefit, ensuring that advancements in healthcare reach diverse populations.

The collaboration represents a pivotal moment in the convergence of technology and health care, setting the stage for a more effective and efficient approach to disease management. As Liron Pantanowitz, Chair of the Department of Pathology at the University of Pittsburgh, succinctly put it, the relationship with Leidos acts as a catalyst in realizing these innovations, ultimately amplifying their impact on global health.

In conclusion, this collaboration between Leidos and the University of Pittsburgh signifies a promising future where AI enhances disease detection, leading to improved healthcare outcomes across various demographics.