Tec and Microsoft join forces to use AI in healthcare research

With the goal of promoting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Mexico, Tec de Monterrey and Microsoft will explore opportunities for collaboration in scientific research that promote the application of AI to solve social issues.

The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by William Weeks, Director of Microsoft’s AI for Health initiative, and Juan Pablo Murra, Rector for Higher Education at Tec de Monterrey, who said:

“At Microsoft and Tec de Monterrey, we share the mission to create value for people and society through innovation, science, research, and technology.

“This new agreement builds on the long-standing relationship and collaboration between our institutions.”

Also present at the signing was Jean-Philippe Courtois, Executive Vice-President of Microsoft and President of National Transformation Partnerships, who said:

“We’re excited about the potential collaboration we’re building in healthcare and in various areas. Innovative research can have a significant impact on Mexico and on people’s lives.”

Collaboration for social impact

Alejandro Poiré, Vice President of Relations and Development at the Tec, pointed out that the signing of this memorandum is part of the institution’s vision and role in the community, adding:

“Tec de Monterrey is an institution from society and for society, and we believe we’re a platform that uses technology and partnerships with high-profile organizations to have an impact on society.

“There have been several instances where we’ve collaborated with a focus on how to innovate and carry out research that makes a difference.”

“We’ve collaborated with a focus on how to innovate and carry out research that makes a difference.” - Jean-Phillipe Courtois

Jean-Philippe Courtois pointed to the similarities between the two institutions in terms of values and emphasized how these can be used to maximize the impact that the Tec and Microsoft have on society. 

“We believe that we can collaborate with Tec de Monterrey to really use technology and innovation to have a positive impact on the economy and society.”

Artificial intelligence and philanthropy

This collaboration between the Tec and Microsoft takes place as part of the AI For Good initiative, through which Microsoft provides resources to different organizations with the aim of solving humanity’s problems.

The partnership aims to promote medical innovation development in Mexico, scientific research, and a better understanding of global health.

It also includes projects related to urban planning, smart cities, territorial assimilation, and pollution.

William Weeks, Director of the AI for Health division, said that one of the initiative’s objectives is for Microsoft to be able to support scientific research development through philanthropy.

“I see AI for Health as a philanthropy incubator, where we have the opportunity to positively contribute to the world and share resources and data to power projects such as these,” Weeks said.

During the signing ceremony, 8 projects developed by Tec researchers were presented in order to identify synergies with projects focused on applications of artificial intelligence for:

• Environment - AI for Earth
• Health - AI for Health
• Inclusion - AI for Accessibility 
• Humanitarian aid - AI for Humanitarian Action
• Cultural heritage - AI for Cultural Heritage

“AI for Health is a philanthropy incubator to positively contribute to the world with resources and data.” - William Weeks

OriGen project

The seeds of this collaboration between the Tec and Microsoft were sown with the OriGen Project, which was launched last year through TecSalud.

Its aim is to study the Mexican genome and decipher the DNA components associated with common diseases in the country.

The project was launched in 2021, and leverages Microsoft AI for Good solutions and services to take cloud, artificial intelligence, and data analytics capabilities to different stages of research.

“We believe that this will be a transformative project and it’s just one example of university projects that play an important role in solving the problems of mankind,” said Guillermo Torre, Director of TecSalud and Vice President of Research at Tec de Monterrey.

Stepping into the future together

Future plans for the agreement include promoting research in other disciplines to offer the opportunity of working with new technologies, artificial intelligence, and resources provided by Microsoft to Tec researchers, professors, and students.

“Right now, we’re facing many challenges, one of them being youth.

Thousands of young people are going to graduate and aspire to work at companies like Microsoft, looking to have a direct impact on their lives. They want to do something meaningful, and they want to do it now,” shared Jean-Phillipe Courtois.

He said that nowadays, there are a large number of bridges that the likes of Tec and Microsoft can build to amplify impact.

“We’re open to supporting Rafael Sánchez (General Manager of Microsoft Mexico) and his team to look at how to share what we’re doing,” added Courtois.

Finally, Rafael Sánchez, General Manager of Microsoft Mexico, reiterated the company’s interest in working with Tec de Monterrey to continue transforming and contributing to society.

“We want to work with you on cybersecurity, data analysis, and other areas that can take companies to the next level. I would say that’s the spirit of the Tec and one of its roles in society.”

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