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AI to assist nurses: New research project reveals the potential of technology in healthcare

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ESPOO, Finland, Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In many countries, the social welfare sector is struggling with enormous cost-cutting pressures, labour shortage and the growing demand for its services. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, together with its partners, is taking part in an international research project on how artificial intelligence (AI) could support the work of nurses. In addition to VTT, Finnish participants include Turku University of Applied Sciences, the University of Eastern Finland, the Northern Savo and Southwest Finland wellbeing services counties, Mediconsult, Oiva Health and Solita.

Various digital tasks, such as patient registration, reviewing patient information, familiarising with instructions and giving them, take a significant part of nurses’ daily working hours. Reducing the time consumed on these tasks with the help of better technological solutions could free up working time for patient encounters and lighten the nurses’ workload.

“For instance, the German consultancy TLGG has estimated that if utilised properly, artificial intelligence could save more than 30% of nurses’ working hours, which they could spend on more valuable tasks – meeting customers and providing care,” says Senior Scientist Jouni Kaartinen from VTT.

Together with Finnish higher education institutions, wellbeing services counties and companies, VTT is developing solutions to reduce the nurses’ workload by utilising AI. The work is carried out in cooperation with several European countries as part of ITEA’s PROFIT project.

Ville Salaspuro, Medical Director of Finnish Mediconsult Oy, believes that using AI-based tools will be an important part of the future work of social welfare and healthcare professionals.

“These tools will make professionals’ work more efficient. They will have more time to focus on customers instead of consuming time on information systems. The project provides concrete opportunities to validate the use of AI-based tools in a genuine operational environment,” says Salaspuro.

Healthcare professionals involved in the development

“A traditional problem in the healthcare sector has been that nursing professionals have not been involved in the technology development. As a result, the functionality or usability of the systems doesn’t always support nursing work. Additionally, research evidence on the impact of different solutions on the operation of organisations is yet scarce,” says Associate Professor Laura-Maria Peltonen from the University of Eastern Finland.

According to Kaartinen, artificial intelligence could, for instance, automatically and illustratively provide relevant patient information to professionals through a graphical or voice interface. AI could also be an excellent assistant in instructing patients when they are searching for help, during their hospital stay, and afterwards. This could facilitate access to the right service, reduce repeat visits, and improve treatment monitoring.

“Nurse-centricity is at the core of the project. The developed technology will be brought to our nursing students for testing. This way, we will learn how development should be done to promote end-user acceptability of new technology and prevent it from being perceived as a threat or as clumsy in terms of usability,” says Senior Lecturer Paula Savolainen from Turku University of Applied Sciences.

Data availability is a challenge

Kaartinen says that the difficulty of obtaining necessary data has significantly hampered the development of AI solutions in healthcare. Healthcare involves so much professional terminology that it is paramount to train a truly useful conversational AI with comprehensive material: authentic anonymised speech data, patient data, and other healthcare documentation.

“As a lot of health data is already digitised, obtaining it securely for research and product development creates significant advantages. However, this has been complicated from a legal perspective. Anonymised and consent-based data would ultimately benefit all parties,” says Kaartinen.

“Software companies must protect their customers’ personal information and data by legislation. The PROFIT project is developing technical solutions and operating methods that would enable data use in accordance with the law,” says Manu Setälä, Head of Research at Solita.

In the project’s initial phase, AI solutions will be trained using data from nursing students’ practice tasks and various simulated data.

Several ethical issues still must be resolved. Despite the use of AI, decision-making and responsibility remain with professionals. According to Kaartinen, AI could not, for instance, make direct entries in patient or customer records without the professional’s separate approval. Instead, AI could make an entry suggestion that the professional can either accept as is or with modifications. The project examines the acceptability and ethics of AI-assisted solutions from the perspectives of both nurses and customers.

About the project:

ITEA is a European consortium of companies and research organisations promoting software innovation and digital transition, which aims to promote the creation of concrete business applications. In Finland, ITEA projects are funded by Business Finland. In addition to VTT, the Finnish PROFIT consortium includes Turku University of Applied Sciences, the University of Eastern Finland, the Northern Savo and Southwest Finland wellbeing services counties, Mediconsult, Oiva Health and Solita. The three-year PROFIT project will continue until June 2027.

More information
Jouni Kaartinen, Senior Scientist, VTT
jouni.kaartinen@vtt.fi
tel. +358 40 753 2893

Further information on VTT:
Paula Bergqvist, Communications Manager
+358 20 722 5161, paula.bergqvist@vtt.fi
www.vttresearch.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com.

https://news.cision.com/vtt-info/r/ai-to-assist-nurses–new-research-project-reveals-the-potential-of-technology-in-healthcare,c4094192

 

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SOURCE VTT Info

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TiTE x IHT 2026: The Definitive Hub for Taiwan’s Hardware Manufacturing Excellence

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TAICHUNG, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — When sourcing from Taiwan, location is the ultimate strategic advantage. Don’t be misled by smaller, general trade shows held in city centers like Taipei. To truly connect with the source, you must go where the products are born. TiTE x IHT (Oct 20-22, 2026) in Taichung is the undisputed largest and most vital hardware industrial expo on the island. Hosted directly in the heart of Taiwan’s precision manufacturing cluster, this event features 1,000+ booths and 500+ top-tier manufacturers, offering a scale and industrial depth that no other exhibition can replicate.

Why Global Buyers Choose the Taichung Source Over Urban Trade Shows:

The Revolutionary “Exhibition as Factory” Model: Taichung is the global epicenter for hardware, home to 70% of Taiwan’s industry output. Our unique location enables the “30-Minute Sourcing Circle.” This allows you to verify high-end samples on the show floor in the morning and audit world-class production lines by the afternoon. By eliminating the travel gap between the booth and the factory, we reduce traditional procurement cycles from weeks to hours, providing unmatched transparency for R&D, capacity assessment, and quality control.ESG & CBAM Compliance for Western Markets: As the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and global ESG mandates reshape trade, our exhibitors are already ahead of the curve. Discover CBAM-ready solutions and green manufacturing processes specifically designed to meet the strict sustainability requirements of the European and American markets. We provide more than just tools; we provide carbon-footprint-managed resilience for your brand.AI-Driven Smart Manufacturing: Address global labor shortages and rising costs with Taiwan’s latest innovations. The 2026 expo focuses on “AI Empowerment,” showcasing collaborative robotics, automated digital inspection, and data-driven supply chain management. These technologies ensure lead-time stability and high-precision consistency for premium global brand owners.Direct Sourcing & Global Matchmaking: Skip the middlemen and trading agencies. Our “Global Buyer Day” offers exclusive, pre-arranged matchmaking with the actual OEMs/ODMs. This is the primary decision-making platform for major distributors seeking resilient, direct-to-factory partnerships that guarantee the best pricing and priority production slots.

Experience the synergy of smart manufacturing and global trade. Stop at the source—where the world’s hardware is actually built. Secure your competitive edge in the true heart of the industry.

【TiTE x IHT】

Date: October 20-22, 2026Venue: TICEC, Taichung, TaiwanRegister Now: https://accu.ps/g8MZ1SHousing Subsidy: https://forms.gle/34VHVxSrEw7g8GxDAOfficial Website: https://www.hardwareexpotw.com

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SOURCE TiTE x IHT

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KIST Accelerates U.S. Expansion of Quantum Deep-Tech Startups Through SelectUSA 2026

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SEOUL, South Korea, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) President Oh Sang-rok announced that it will participate in the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026 as part of a Korean delegation, together with quantum technology startups supported by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups under the Deeptech Project (DIPS).

The initiative, supported by South Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), is part of the government’s “Deeptech Incubator Project for Startups” (DIPS) initiative, which aims to nurture globally competitive deep-tech ventures.

KIST, which serves as the lead institution for the quantum technology sector under the program, said it will oversee the global commercialization efforts of participating firms. In particular, the “Global Bridge Program,” jointly developed with the U.S. Embassy in Korea in September 2025, is an official program designed to generate tangible overseas expansion outcomes by linking investment attraction with local market entry through diplomatic channels.

Organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the SelectUSA Investment Summit is the largest investment promotion event in the US, connecting international startups with venture capital firms, corporate investors and state-level economic development agencies.

It serves as an execution-oriented platform that extends to investment, corporate establishment, site selection, and tax incentives, and is considered a key entry gateway for deep-tech companies, including those in quantum technology.

KIST said participation in the summit is particularly significant for deep-tech sectors such as quantum technology, where access to the US innovation ecosystem is seen as key to growth.

The program is conducted in two stages. From April 30 to May 1, companies took part in a spin-off program hosted by the State of Maryland, which included visits to research institutions and tours of the regional quantum technology ecosystem.

During this period, the delegation also conducted localized activities with the Maryland state government and its economic development agencies, focusing on investment attraction, corporate collaboration, and joint R&D. In addition, on May 5, the delegation held discussions with U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary William Kimmitt on potential areas of cooperation.

The delegation will also meet officials from Fairfax County Government to explore collaboration and investment opportunities.

The main summit, currently ongoing from May 3 to May 6, features exhibitions, pitching sessions and meetings with US state representatives, with participating firms expected to engage in discussions on investment and market entry.

The delegation is structured to encompass the entire quantum industry rather than a single technology domain.

The Korean delegation comprises five startups, alongside Kyung Hee University Department of Future Science & Technology Commercialization Policy and Entrepreneurship, with approximately 20 participants forming an integrated ecosystem that combines research institutes, academia, and startups, enabling a full-cycle support system from technology validation to commercialization and global expansion.

One of the firms, OptiQ-Labs, was selected for an official pitching session on May 4, where it presented its laser-based optical modules designed for ion-trap quantum computing systems.

This highly competitive program selects only around 100 companies from more than 20,000 applicants worldwide. If selected as the winner of the pitching session, the company will receive follow-up meetings with U.S. state governments and economic development agencies, access to global investor networks, support for local entity establishment, and connections to site selection and tax incentive programs.

Other participating companies include QUAD, which develops single-photon detection technology; SLEEX, focused on underwater sensing; Elixir (StatUp AI), which works on quantum-classical hybrid algorithms for healthcare; and SQK (QMEDIC), specializing in physics-based imaging solutions.

KIST Project Director, Kang Sunjoon, said, “This program represents a critical milestone for Korean quantum startups to directly connect with global investors and industry ecosystems. Via the DIPS program, we are actively promoting the global commercialization of quantum technologies.”

Through its participation in SelectUSA, KIST has established a package-type global expansion model that integrates technology validation, investment attraction, and U.S. market entry.

The summit serves as a turning point for South Korea’s quantum sector, enabling startups to move into the next phase of validation, investment, and overseas expansion.

For more information, visit https://eng.kist.re.kr/.

About KIST 

KIST was established in 1966 as the first government-funded research institute in South Korea. KIST now strives to solve national and social challenges and secure growth engines through leading and innovative research.

About Participating Quantum Startups

QUAD, led by Chief Executive Officer, Oh Byung-doo, develops quantum sensing technologies based on superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs), offering high sensitivity and precision with applications spanning quantum communication, quantum computing, semiconductor inspection, and defense.

SLEEX is developing an advanced perception technology that combines quantum LiDAR and electric field sensing to overcome limitations of existing underwater sensors, particularly by eliminating blind zones within the 0–2 meter range, with strong potential in autonomous navigation, maritime security, and defense, with Lee Jeho at the helm as Chief Executive Officer.  (https://www.thesleex.com)

Elixir, headed by Chief Executive Officer Jang Jung-kwon, develops a drug discovery and biomarker analysis platform based on quantum-classical hybrid algorithms, targeting the precision medicine market through the integration of bioinformatics and quantum machine learning. (statupai.com)

SQK develops medical imaging AI based on quantum-physics constraints, addressing the hallucination issues of conventional AI by ensuring physical consistency in CT and MRI reconstruction. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Kim Yoon-hak, SQK is improving reliability and reducing the need for re-scans in clinical settings. (www.sqkcloud.com)

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SOURCE The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)

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Former Visa Asia Pacific Executive David Tay Joins YeahPay as Global Vice President

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SINGAPORE, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — YeahPay, the international payment brand under YEAHKA (9923.HK), has appointed David Tay, a former senior executive at Visa Asia Pacific, as Global Vice President, tasking him with overseeing the strategic direction and product ecosystem development of YEAHKA’s overseas payment business. The appointment comes as global digital trade enters a new phase defined by ecosystem integration, with payment infrastructure undergoing a generational shift in acceleration.

David Tay, a Singaporean national, is a rising leader in the payments industry. During his career at Visa, David played a key role in driving business growth across multiple Southeast Asian markets, demonstrating early promise in commercial insight and innovation. He subsequently moved into Visa’s Innovation division, where he rose to serve as Head of Innovation, leading Visa Pacific’s product innovation and new business.

In that capacity, David led the commercialization of cutting-edge payment paradigms including Visa Flex Credential and Pay by Palm. He was also involved in the evaluation and governance of strategic partners across the region, accumulating deep expertise in collaborating with banks, fintechs, and large-scale enterprise merchants.

David’s track record spans the full go-to-market lifecycle, from concept to pilot to scale, as well as deep capabilities in cross-institutional partnerships and ecosystem development. His appointment comes at an inflection point for YEAHKA’s international expansion. According to YEAHKA’s 2025 annual report, its overseas business delivered full-year Gross Payment Volume (GPV) surpassing RMB 5 billion, representing a 323.3% year-on-year surge from RMB 1.1 billion in 2024.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/former-visa-asia-pacific-executive-david-tay-joins-yeahpay-as-global-vice-president-302763652.html

SOURCE Yeahka

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