AI-powered imaging became the most mature field within the intelligence and medical science industry last year, boasting a large market scale, substantial revenue takings and a favorable financing environment, according to a white paper on artificial intelligence in medicine released in Shanghai on Jan 9.

The report was jointly produced by the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the Shanghai Research Center for Health Development, and the school of medicine at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Statistics show that six of the top 100 unlisted AI-related companies in China with the highest expected revenue last year were engaged in AI-powered medical imaging. In terms of financing, the report said AI medical imaging was the most widely financed medical field in China in 2018.

Data shows that as of the third quarter of 2018, there were 20 financing activities in domestic AI medical imaging industry, with total financing amounting to more than 2.6 billion yuan ($379 million).

The paper also reveals that 31 provinces, municipalities or regions in China have issued artificial intelligence strategies by December. Among them, 16 have set specific development goals.

Shanghai, Beijing, Zhejiang, Guangzhou and Sichuan are the top five cities or provinces with the highest core industry size target.