Making genomics and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies work together can spot the origin of a genetic mutation causing cancer or a particular condition so that the treatment can be provided on time. Predicting treatment responses in cancer patients by integrating genomics and artificial intelligence is going to become a reality. A major collaborative research project “Artificial Intelligence and Genomics to Predict Cancer Treatment” has been awarded a $2.6 million under CRC-P (Cooperative Research Centre Projects) grant by Australian Government. The official announcement has been made by Mr. Zed Seselja, Assistant Minister for Science, Jobs and Innovation, and Mr. Trevor Evans, Federal Member for Brisbane, on July 25, 2018.

BGI is a next-generation sequencing partner of the project, in collaboration with other world-leadingpartners including Max Kelsen the leading partner specialised in AI technology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute as the research partner, Queensland Health Metro North Hospital and Health Serviceas the clinical partner, and genomiQa as the bioinformatic analysis partner.

The Project will receive $2.6 million under the fifth round of the CRC-P Program and has attracted $6.4 million of cash and in-kind contributions from industry partners. “This project will firmly establish the role of AI and whole genome analysis in the future of precision medicine”, said Mr. Nicholas Therkelsen-Terry CEO of Max Kelsen.

Dr. Bicheng Yang, Director of BGI Australia said, “BGI is proud to provide sequencing support for this project, which will help to establish whole genome sequencing as part of routine clinical practice, as BGI’s objective is to benefit the humankind by making genomic technologies more affordable and accessible”

The global market for gene sequencing is projected to reach US$13.8 billion by 2020. The compound annual growth rate is expected to be 18.7%. BGI has been successfully exploring gene sequencing and AI, with achievements in health big data deep mining and applications.