ABICO Asia Capital Corporation, a public company in the Emerging Stock Market, has reached a collaboration agreement with Fu Jen Catholic University to promote innovative research and development through industry-academic cooperation. This partnership, formalized with the signing of a memorandum of understanding on October 25, aims to enhance the entrepreneurial capabilities of youth and align with national key industry development plans. The collaboration will encompass various fields, including but not limited to healthcare, startups, AI, and robotics, leveraging Fu Jen’s AI Development Center to support successful innovation in startups.
Focusing on Precision Health
In recent years, Fu Jen Catholic University has centered its development around precision health, integrating resources from its medical school, senior industry startup accelerator, AI Development Center, and Fu Jen Hospital. The university is committed to promoting interdisciplinary cooperation and producing high-quality research outcomes while actively fostering the growth of startups. This October, Fu Jen Hospital established a Smart Healthcare Center dedicated to applying cutting-edge intelligent technologies to improve the quality and efficiency of medical services, demonstrating the university's forward-looking strategy and long-term commitment to smart healthcare.
Accelerating AI Medical Innovation
The senior industry startup accelerator at Fu Jen University is focused on promoting innovation in health technology and long-term care sectors. Currently, it supports 20 companies by providing assistance with field validation, fundraising, and optimizing operational plans. One of the accelerator’s mentored companies, DeepLung-CAC, has developed an "AI Smart Pulmonary Screening Platform" that can analyze 300 low-dose chest CT images in three minutes, rapidly detecting lung nodules and predicting risks of coronary artery calcification and osteoporosis. Another startup, Neuron Technologies, utilizes AI technology with smart wearable devices to complete risk screenings and predictive classifications for brain neurological diseases such as dizziness within five minutes.
In addition to healthcare and the senior industry, the collaboration between Fu Jen’s Department of Physical Education and the Sports Medicine Center of Fu Jen Hospital is actively promoting innovation in the sports technology industry, becoming a significant driving force in this field. The Wanzichun redevelopment area will also bolster Fu Jen University’s future development. This area, covering approximately 400 hectares, is expected to see a significant influx of population over the next decade, presenting immense potential for economic and community development and injecting strong momentum into the university’s long-term growth.
ABICO Asia Capital: A Unique Investment Firm
Founded in 2015, ABICO Asia Capital is a rare investment company in Taiwan that boasts abundant resources and connections in both Taiwan and Japan. By integrating Japan's advanced technologies with Taiwan’s production management advantages, the firm is strategically positioning itself in global markets. In October 2024, it will officially transition into a sustainable venture capital firm and will begin trading on the Emerging Stock Market. Its investment areas span high technology, aerospace, new energy vehicles, biomedical materials, consumer goods, and traditional industries, with notable investments in STARLUX Airlines, FuSheng Precision, Allied Supreme, MSSCORPS, and Brighten Optix.
In addition to providing financial support, ABICO creates added value by facilitating connections between upstream and downstream business partners, linking resources, and promoting collaboration and overseas expansion opportunities for its portfolio companies. In recent years, it has particularly focused on digital transformation, AI, robotics, and semiconductors.
Currently, ABICO Asia Capital is assessing multiple AI and robotics companies in Japan and the United States. Besides investment evaluations, it plans to introduce Taiwanese companies related to AI and robotics to explore more operational and investment cooperation opportunities. This collaboration with Fu Jen University is primarily aimed at leveraging both parties' shared interests in fields such as healthcare and AI. Fu Jen’s startup accelerator can not only meet fundraising needs but also allow ABICO to serve as mentors for entrepreneurial teams, assisting in their development.
Additionally, imedtac, a medical AI IoT service provider in which ABICO invests, focuses on designing, developing, and integrating smart healthcare solutions, including surgical scheduling management systems, smart medication cabinets, and smart hospital products (such as physiological measurement stations and smart wards). This partnership may also lead to collaborations with Fu Jen Hospital and long-term care programs to implement applications in smart hospitals and smart long-term care facilities.
Resource (mandarin): 能率亞洲攜手輔大 搶攻AI智慧醫療商機
