KIMed – the network for artificial intelligence in medicine

KIMed – the network for artificial intelligence in medicine brings together data-leading institutions, methodological and technical partners, and users from the medical field with the common goal of establishing a powerful and secure research environment and specifically promoting AI innovations. A central project of the network is the design of a protected infrastructure for processing medical data in Saxony. This infrastructure will enable the use of large, networked data sets under strict data protection guidelines. In this way, KIMed creates the conditions for modern AI applications to be developed in a secure structure and, in the future, used in medical research and practice.

The central objectives of the project are:

• Network development and governance: Development of a sustainable network for networking and coordination of research partners, establishment of effective network governance, and initiation of new third-party funded projects by members
• Networking to establish a protected research environment: Development of a Secure Processing Environment (SPE) that enables the secure processing and analysis of sensitive medical data without the need for physical transfer
• KIMed portal for data indexing and networking: Establishment of a central portal for accessing medical data sources, generating synthetic data, and networking existing data sets
• Testing of cooperative demonstrators in the SPE: Development and provision of practical application examples that demonstrate the added value of the protected research environment and offer researchers and clinical partners innovative uses
• Training, further education, and consulting: Design and provision of training courses for all network participants and consulting for partners on the optimal use of network resources

All measures strengthen and combine the future fields of health and digital technology to create an important research and innovation location for the healthcare industry and healthcare provision. The initiative is not only of central importance for the Free State of Saxony, but also has national and international relevance.

KIMed is a joint project of the Technical University of Dresden, the University of Leipzig, and Mittweida University of Applied Sciences. The network aims to actively shape medical progress – for better care, research, and teaching.

KIMed will be funded from April 2025 to December 2027 with €3.6 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and tax revenues based on the budget approved by the Saxon state parliament.