Learn more about AI-MEDx Collaboratory

The AI in Medicine Collaboratory (AI-MEDx) at the Keck School of Medicine of USC is a pioneering convergent research initiative committed to translating our research findings into tangible, patient-centric solutions through collaboration and partnership. Our mission is to leverage our unique strengths in medicine, data science, and the diverse patient population we serve to address clinical unmet needs, drive transformative AI-driven discoveries, and facilitate their translation into equitable and patient-centric healthcare solutions.

Leadership Team

Inaugural Director: Paul Thompson, PhD, Professor of Ophthalmology, Neurology, Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Radiology, Psychiatry, and Engineering

Associate Director, Clinical Research: Indy Gill, MD, Chair and Distinguished Professor of Urology

Associate Director, Use-Inspired Research: David Conti, PhD, Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences

Associate Director, Translational Research: Vinay Duddalwar, MD, Professor of Clinical Radiology

Innovation Cafes: Use-inspired idea incubator grounded in unmet medical needs

A flexible yet structured idea incubator platform to connect our fundamental research and discovery capabilities with our healthcare enterprise, empower convergent idea generation based on unmet clinical needs, and identify funding and collaboration opportunities both internally and externally. We are launching the first set of innovation cafes to support the AI-MEDx Collaboratory.

Illustration of how innovation cafe works

Key Elements

  • Medical School Focus: As an initiative based at Keck, we leverage our institutional expertise, resources, and academic environment to drive interdisciplinary collaborations between clinicians, researchers, data scientists, and AI experts. By capitalizing on the unique perspectives and talents within our medical school, we aim to push the boundaries of AI and its applications in medicine.
  • University-wide Connectivity: The AI in Medicine AI-MEDx serves as a central hub at the Health Science Campus that connects and integrates with other AI in Medicine efforts across the university. We actively foster collaborations with various departments, research centers, and institutes, promoting knowledge sharing, cross-pollination of ideas, and collaborative initiatives that accelerate progress in AI in Medicine.
  • Addressing Clinical Unmet Needs: Our AI-MEDx is driven by a deep commitment to addressing the real-world challenges faced by our clinicians and patients. We prioritize understanding clinical unmet needs, identifying areas where AI has the potential to make a significant impact, and developing innovative solutions that enhance patient care, improve outcomes, and drive healthcare efficiencies.
  • Use-Inspired Discovery and Translational Research: At the heart of our mission is the philosophy of use-inspired discovery and translational research. We embrace a pragmatic approach that emphasizes the practical application of AI in solving clinical problems. Through close collaborations with clinicians and basic researchers, we aim to bridge the gap between research and practice, translating cutting-edge AI research into meaningful solutions that directly benefit patients and healthcare providers.
  • Embracing Diversity: A key differentiator of our AI-MEDx is our unwavering commitment to embracing the diversity of our patient population and beyond. We recognize that equitable and inclusive healthcare requires tailored solutions that address the unique needs, challenges, and cultural contexts of diverse patient groups. We actively promote diversity in our research, collaborations, and solutions to ensure that AI-driven innovations in medicine benefit all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Focus Areas

Bridging the gap between technology, research, and clinical practice

  • Medical Imaging
  • Diagnostics
  • Robotics
  • Biomarker Discovery
  • Drug Discovery
  • Treatment
  • Patient Care

Keck AI-MEDx Collaboratory Partnering Program

Welcome to the Keck AI-MEDx Collaboratory Partnering Program—a premier partnership platform dedicated to fostering deep collaboration between industry and non-profit leaders and our AI-MEDx Collaboratory ecosystem.

Benefits to Industry Partners

  • Strategic Insights: Partners at all levels gain access to bespoke insights and networking opportunities that shape our research towards impactful and practical medical solutions.
  • Resource Empowerment: Your contributions—whether financial, intellectual, or networking—are crucial. They empower our research and development efforts, ensuring progress that benefits all parties involved.
  • Impact Amplification: We’re committed to magnifying the impact of our research, turning scientific discoveries into viable health solutions that meet the needs of today and tomorrow.
  • Tiered Partnership Opportunities:
    • Collaboration Partner (Level 1): Ideal for those looking to connect, network, and share knowledge.
    • Innovation Partner (Level 2): Designed for partners ready to deepen their involvement to translate ideas into innovations.
    • Premier Strategic Partner (Level 3): Our top-tier level, offering unparalleled access and influence in project directions and outcomes, and more!

Contact: If you are interested, please contact Tian Deng, Ph.D., Manager, Corporate Collaborations and Strategic Partnerships, tiandeng@usc.edu

Program Benefits and Annual Fees:

Collaboration Partner

$50,000/year

Innovation Partner

$200,000/year

Premier Strategic Partner

$400,000/year

Opportunities to engage with USC faculty, researchers, staff, students, and partners, including facilitated meetings and hosted visits X X X
Invitations to virtual and in-person events, including select Innovation Cafes, annual symposium, seminars, and industry-focused discussions X X X
Recognition on AI-MEDx  website and at AI-MEDx events X X X
Regular updates on AI-MEDx  research, education, and other programs X X X
Student recruiting opportunities X X X
Option to engage in AI-MEDx sponsored research projects (funding and contract provided separately) X X X
Support for a particular area of research X X
Support for a graduate student or postdoctoral scholar X X
Opportunity to establish a visiting scholar at USC to work on a joint project (contract provided separately) X X
Opportunity to support a flagship program/project X
Host Innovation Cafe based on industry’s specific challenges where partner provide input on topics; speaking opportunities; Lead Sponsor for yearly Symposium X
Membership on the AI-MEDx External Advisory Committee (provide consultation on strategic direction of AI-MEDx, review project proposals, access concierge business development services from USC MESH) X