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Investment in AI-Driven Precision Medicine for Person-Centered Care

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With an investment of SEK 48 million, the Knowledge Foundation is enabling a powerful initiative in AI-driven precision medicine at the University of Skövde. The project will run for eight years with the goal of improving future healthcare and strengthening the competitiveness of Swedish industry in a rapidly growing field.

There are several reasons why this initiative in AI-driven precision medicine is based in West Sweden and at the University of Skövde. A fundamental reason is the University’s strong research profile in systems biology, AI, and health in the digital society.

" Another important factor is the close collaboration we have developed over many years with pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and healthcare providers. We are now making a major investment in creating a unique research and educational environment where we can develop tomorrow’s innovations in precision medicine.
Jane Synnergren
Professor of Bioinformatics at the University of Skövde

Tailored Treatments

Traditional treatments and medicines are largely based on a “one-size-fits-all” model. This means that treatments may cause side effects or simply be ineffective for certain individuals. In the field of precision medicine, this model no longer applies. Instead, AI and large datasets are used to tailor treatments to the individual. The adaptation is based on, among other things, a person’s genetics and lifestyle. The result is earlier diagnoses, improved treatments, and healthier lives for patients.

“The rapid development of analytical technologies now allows us to cost-effectively generate large-scale biological datasets. This opens up opportunities to use AI-based methods to, for example, identify differences between patient groups who respond well to a treatment and those who do not respond at all. AI models can thus be trained to recognise non-linear patterns,” says Jane Synnergren.

A Driver of Innovation

The Knowledge Foundation is the principal funder of this major initiative at the University of Skövde. The initiative takes the form of a so-called research profile – a programme aimed at well-established research and educational environments that have made significant progress and have clear ambitions for the future.

" Our aim is to contribute both to the development of strong research and education environments and to enhance Sweden’s competitiveness. With AID-PM, the University of Skövde takes an important step towards a leading position in AI-driven precision medicine. It is also an area with the potential to fundamentally transform healthcare and bring innovative strength to the business sector.
Eva Schelin
CEO of the Knowledge Foundation

Four Focus Areas

The initiative in AI-driven precision medicine at the University of Skövde is named AID-PM (Artificial Intelligence-Driven Precision Medicine). The initiative spans eight years and totals SEK 92 million, of which the Knowledge Foundation contributes SEK 48 million. A total of 13 partner companies are involved: AstraZeneca, VERIGRAFT, Takara Bio Europe SF, RISE, RealSeq Bioscience, Kontigo Care, 1928diagnostics, Qiagen, MultiD Analyses, SciCross, Unilabs, Skillsta teknik och design, and CCRM Nordic.

AID-PM is divided into four focus areas:

    • Digital Diagnostics – focuses on developing digital tools for accurate and rapid diagnoses.

    • Drug Repurposing – aims to identify new therapeutic uses for already approved medicines.

    • 3D Biological Modelling – involves creating model systems of biological structures, such as tissues, organs, or entire biological systems.

  • ATMP (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products) – involves developing gene and cell therapies that target the root causes of diseases rather than treating symptoms.