2025 Taihu Dialogue: AI-Driven Drug Screening Platform Unveiled

On June 6, 2023, the "2025 Taihu Dialogue · AI for Science" event was successfully held in Binhu, Wuxi. This gathering marked the launch of the nation's first "DrugCLIP: AI-driven Ultra-high-throughput Drug Virtual Screening Platform" and the signing of multiple AI-focused cooperation agreements, injecting fresh energy into the AI industry of both Binhu and Wuxi. Key figures in attendance included Deputy Mayor Zhou Wendong, Professor Zhang Ya-Qin, a foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Dean of Tsinghua University's Institute for AI Industry Research (AIR), and District Party Secretary and District Head Li Ping, who all delivered speeches. Other notable participants included Chinese Academy of Sciences members Professors Rao Zihe and Xiaodong Wang, foreign member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering and Tsinghua AIR's distinguished visiting professor Hongjiang Zhang, and numerous scholars and industry leaders from around the world. In his video address, Tsinghua University's Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee Guo Yong emphasized the profound impact of artificial intelligence on economic and social development. He highlighted the longstanding collaboration between Tsinghua University and Wuxi, praising the city's robust industrial base, vibrant innovation ecosystem, and concentration of high-level talent. Guo expressed hope that the event would deepen cooperation and foster a more integrated ecosystem of research, industry, and education, ultimately accelerating the conversion of research outcomes into practical innovations. Deputy Mayor Zhou Wendong provided an overview of Wuxi’s AI industry. He noted that the city has leveraged its industrial foundation and innovation strengths to build a conducive environment for AI development. Zhou called for Tsinghua Wuxi AIR to strengthen its capabilities and actively support local industries, acting as a bridge to elevate university-city collaboration. He reassured attendees of Wuxi’s commitment to maintaining a business-friendly environment, offering comprehensive support to foster collaborations and drive AI advancements. Professor Zhang Ya-Qin, speaking on behalf of Tsinghua Wuxi AIR, outlined the institute’s achievements over the past year. The center has focused on key areas of AI, such as intelligent transportation, healthcare, and the Internet of Things, fostering innovation and industry growth. Looking ahead, Zhang emphasized the importance of building an open and inclusive innovation ecosystem, attracting top global talent, and nurturing high-growth startups to establish Wuxi as a leading hub for AI-driven economic development. Li Ping, representing the Binhu District Party Committee and government, thanked the community for their support of the district’s AI initiatives. Binhu’s commitment to innovation and industry has led to the creation of a comprehensive system for AI research, development, and commercialization. Li invited guests to share their insights and contribute to the district’s vision of becoming an AI industry leader, promising continued robust support and services to all innovation stakeholders. Tsinghua Wuxi AIR formally established its Smart Industrial Innovation Center in Binhu last year on the same date. Over the past 12 months, the center has achieved significant milestones, including the successful launch of the "Artificial Intelligence Hospital" by Zijing Zhikang, advancements in the ApolloFM autonomous driving system, and the development of an industry-first embedded embodied intelligent robotic arm. These initiatives have laid a solid foundation for local AI industry development. A highlight of the event was the unveiling of "DrugCLIP," an AI-driven drug screening platform. This groundbreaking technology is the first to perform virtual drug screening on a human genome scale, significantly reducing the time, cost, and risk associated with traditional drug development. During the event, DrugCLIP signed two important agreements—one with the Ruijin Health Institute in the Yangtze River Delta and another with Enamine China—aiming to advance the commercialization of small molecule drug screening. Additionally, several other cooperation projects were signed, covering fields such as smart healthcare, autonomous driving, and intelligent robotics. For instance, the Wuxi Ninth People's Hospital partnered with Zijing Zhikang to enhance AI-driven medical diagnostics. The center also signed a deal with the Wuxi Connected Vehicle Industry Development Group to scale up autonomous driving technologies and another agreement with Shanghai Tashi Intelligent Navigation Technology to explore embodied intelligence and robotics. The thematic discussions featured four academicians engaging in a super dialogue on how AI is transforming scientific research paradigms. Following this, three high-level roundtable panels discussed major AI breakthroughs, AI applications in science, and AI’s role in healthcare, providing a platform for intensive exchanges between academia, industry, and government. These developments underscore the growing collaboration and innovation in the AI sector, signaling a brighter future for Wuxi and Binhu as they continue to attract and support leading-edge technology and talent.