The National Healthcare Security Administration announced on Friday the launch of this year's national intelligent healthcare security contest jointly with the Shanghai Municipal Government.

The contest, set to run through November, is aimed at exploring the application of artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, cloud computing, and other intelligent technologies in processing insurance data to empower innovative drug development, real-world studies of newly-approved medications, fund supervision, and other aspects for promoting high-quality development in the sector.

The administration said that medical institutions, research institutes and corporate research centers are all welcomed to participate. Last year, a total of 593 teams enrolled in the competition.

The administration added that it will roll out supportive policies to facilitate implementation of outstanding cases and initiatives demonstrated during the contest.