KT Corp., Korea’s largest telecommunications company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sibel Health, a US company which specializes in ICU-grade biosensors, to boost its competence in artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data-based digital health. Sibel is currently working towards commercializing its ANNE system, which consists of two linked, soft and flexible sensors for comprehensive vital signs monitoring, suitable for both adults and pediatrics. 

Under the agreement, KT and Sibel will launch a pilot project that employs an ICT-based monitoring solution for digital health, as well as conduct data analyses and modeling with the use of AI and Big Data. Both companies will also explore digital health business in developing countries and collaborate with international funders on new projects and business models.

THE LARGER TREND

The new global partnership comes as KT seeks to transform itself beyond the country's telecom leader after CEO Ku Hyeon-Mo took office in March 2020. In 2019, KT launched its Global Epidemic Prevention Platform (GEPP) service in Ghana in August, followed by Laos in September. Working with the respective local governments, the basic premise of GEPP is to prevent the spread of infectious diseases using mobile data and make it easier for the public to report to health authorities in the event of a disease outbreak.

In January this year, KT and Samsung Medical Center announced that they have jointly developed an innovative, 5G-powered medical service as an initial step to establishing a 5G smart hospital, Healthcare IT News reported. 

ON THE RECORD

"With Sibel, KT will better explore business opportunities in developing countries as well as other global digital health markets," said Kim Hyoung-Wook, Executive Vice President of KT's future value task force. "KT's Global Epidemic Prevention Platform (GEPP) and Sibel's innovative sensing technology, when combined, will help provide optimal medical service for the COVID-19 and other epidemic and medical situations.

“As a medical technology company committed to a mission of delivering better health data for all, we are extremely pleased to sign this MoU with KT,” Sibel CEO Steve Xu said. “Together, we believe our advanced bio-integrated sensors and KT's innovative infrastructure will unlock the potential of AI and Big Data for the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.”