Computational pathology is changing how labs and businesses work together, according to Dr. Liron Pantanowitz, Professor and Chair of Pathology at the University of Pittsburgh. In a keynote speech titled “Computational Pathology as a Strategic Asset: Leadership Lessons from the Frontlines,” he outlined efforts to connect academic research with industry uses. The university created a Computational Pathology division in 2024, with an Office of Collaborative Pathology to support innovation through partnerships.
Electronic health records and digital slides have created an ideal setting for AI, Pantanowitz said. However, challenges persist. Security, transparency, and liability concerns remain, especially regarding responsibility for AI mistakes. “We still lack guidelines for validating AI in clinical settings,” he noted. Patient consent and regulatory issues also complicate integration, though the benefits are evident.
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Academic-industry partnerships (AIPs) provide mutual advantages. For medical centers, they offer testing grounds for products, feedback collection, and AI training. For companies, they provide data access, research opportunities, and talent pools. “This is an ethical way for firms to publish work and conduct research efficiently,” Pantanowitz said. However, conflicts of interest and threats to academic freedom must be managed carefully.
Academic institutions also benefit from these collaborations. Shared risks and commercialization paths open funding opportunities and boost reputations. The University of Pittsburgh’s partnership with Leidos, an IT firm, secured $10 million for an AI disease detection project. “A culture of innovation is important,” Pantanowitz said. “It strengthens a department’s reputation and promotes problem-focused research.”
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Industry gains from academic expertise and cutting-edge science, but priorities often conflict. Pantanowitz emphasized that the advantages outweigh the risks. “Many pathologists avoid industry work, but that’s outdated,” he said. He encourages faculty to pursue patents, startups, and practical applications. The university’s innovation office handles intellectual property, supporting both academic and commercial goals.
The University of Pittsburgh has created several institutions to advance computational pathology. These include the Division of Computational Pathology & Informatics, the Computational Pathology and AI Center of Excellence (CPACE), and the Digital Pathology Research Center (DPRC). The Office of Collaborative Pathology (OCP) has already engaged nearly 40 companies in its first year, simplifying interactions with industry partners.
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The AI Data Commons (ADC) Alliance, launched under Pantanowitz’s leadership, aims to build a global data-sharing system. This effort supports collaboration while addressing ownership and transparency issues. “That is the environment in which I practice—one which encourages innovation and isn’t afraid of working with industry,” he said.
Pantanowitz joined the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) in 2010 and returned in 2023 after a period at the University of Michigan. His work has set the stage for a field that balances academic standards with real-world impact. As computational pathology grows, the role of AIPs in shaping its future remains key.