China ranks third in global index for AI competitiveness in life sciences

China has secured third place globally in AI competitiveness for life sciences, according to the latest Global AI Competitiveness Index released by Deep Knowledge Group on Monday. The country scored 85.3, trailing only the US and UK, reflecting its major scale in AI, biotechnology, and talent pools. The index highlights China’s focus on regulated, data-heavy industries like drug discovery, diagnostics, and preventive medicine, where AI adoption is accelerating beyond general-purpose models. The report underscores China’s strategic push to embed AI in healthcare, particularly in primary-level institutions such as hospitals and clinics. By 2030, the country plans to make AI-enabled healthcare universally accessible nationwide, targeting AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment as a core component. This aligns with broader efforts to bridge gaps in medical resources through technological innovation. Meanwhile, Hong Kong ranked third among 20 global city-level innovation hubs, following Boston and San Francisco but surpassing London and New York City. The report attributes Hong Kong’s strengths to its capital-market access, institutional credibility, and governed deployment conditions, along with its growing integration with the Greater Bay Area. The city’s 2025 Policy Address frames AI-enabled healthcare as part of a larger life-sciences infrastructure push, rather than a standalone software opportunity. Deep Knowledge Group, a consortium specializing in deep-tech research, analytics, and investment, compiled the index. It follows China’s shift from AI applications in chatbots to high-impact sectors like biotechnology and longevity, positioning the country as a leader in AI-driven healthcare innovation.