A pioneering AI-driven breast cancer screening system developed by Hong Kong researchers has received global recognition, earning a Silver Medal at the Silicon Valley International Invention Festival.
The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), in collaboration with local technology firm WSC Holding Limited and North University of China, created the “Near-Infrared Screening Imaging System for Detecting Breast Cancer.” The system leverages artificial intelligence to analyze blood flow patterns in breast tissue, allowing medical professionals to identify potential abnormalities and detect cancer at earlier stages.
Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers affecting women in Hong Kong. While traditional screening methods are effective, they can be costly and uncomfortable, sometimes resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Funded under the Innovation and Technology Commission’s Mainland-Hong Kong Technology Cooperation Funding Scheme, the new system uses diffuse optical and correlation tomography to capture detailed data on blood flow, oxygen levels, and metabolism in breast tissue. Its non-invasive design provides rapid insights into patients’ health by imaging abnormal metabolic activity.
Clinical trials conducted between November 2024 and May 2025 demonstrated promising results. The AI model analyzed data from over 1,000 participants, achieving an 86.5 percent accuracy rate in detecting abnormal breast tissues. Researchers noted that accuracy is expected to improve further with continued AI optimization.
THEi is now inviting 600 women aged 30 to 65 to join an ongoing, free study aimed at expanding a comprehensive breast hemodynamic database to support clinical decision-making. During the screening, a detector is placed on the breast, and imaging feedback is obtained within 15 minutes using near-infrared technology.
The institute assures participants that no breast images are produced, and all data will remain strictly confidential. Information is encrypted, stored on password-protected systems, and disposed of according to established protocols.
This breakthrough reflects Hong Kong’s growing role in medical innovation, combining advanced AI technology with non-invasive diagnostics to improve early detection and patient care.
