What have been the latest developments in digital R&D and lab automation, patient-centric design, digitalised manufacturing and supply chains? Highlighting the rise of a smart pharma, AUTOMA+ 2025 took place in Vösendorf, Austria on 24-25 November. The event was a dynamic interplay of technology, solutions and forward-thinking ideas.
While all innovations were in a single venue, their influence extends worldwide. The Pharmaceutical Automation and Digitalisation Congress featured tech-savvy solutions for the pharmaceutical sector: AI integration and e-labelling for packaging, digital twins, AI, robotics, IoT in manufacturing, ethical and human-centric AI and more.
Supported by Merck, ESTEVE, Octapharma, GSK, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma (as Technology Partner) and EUSPA (as Innovation Partner), the Congress emerged as a main platform for fostering collaborations.
The first day featured an opening panel that addressed the topic of digital technologies for the future: how to connect machines, processes and people, as well as the need for digital skills, competencies and education. Harald Schnidar, CEO, and Avani Gupta, Business Developer & Customer Support at SCARLETRED Holding GmbH, presented their perspectives on the synergistic relationship between human and artificial intelligence, driven by AI, in the context of dermatological drug development.
Subsequent sessions addressed patient experience, R&D, lab automation and manufacturing. Representatives from Automators GmbH and CNT Management Consulting AG, Pfizer, Helbling Technik AG, Astellas, Bayer AG, Grünenthal Group and other key market players spoke.
Zisis Kozlakidis, Head, Laboratory Services at IARC/WHO reviewed patient-centric digital interaction in public health, highlighting the potential of integrated AI to accelerate discovery, enhance precision medicine and improve public health outcomes.
As AUTOMA+ 2025 Technology Partner, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co.KG, with Joachim Bär, Director DevOps CellCulture, as speaker, presented a workshop on digital plant modelling, discussing production, innovation and sustainability.
Beyond the main sessions, delegates had the chance to evaluate companies’ solutions in the exhibition zone. Sapio Sciences displayed their LIMS systems, Innowise highlighted AI & ML and I-care demonstrated software for asset performance and predictive maintenance.
Following a day of innovation and meetings, participants experienced relaxed networking, good cuisine and productive collaborations at the Gala Dinner in Casino Baumgarten.
Discussions on the second day revolved around AI-powered Pharma, covering smart supply chains, innovations in labels and packaging and digital pharma regulatory compliance. Riding the pharma logistics transformation wave, GSK’s Cédric Colon, Global Supply Chain Strategy Programme Management Global Process owner, presented why digitalisation and AI unlock supply chain value.
As the final accords of AUTOMA+ were reached and the last words said, the event’s magic was clear – it had united a constellation of professionals determined to shift the industry forward.
In 2026, AUTOMA+ continues its digital drive next in Zurich on 16-17 November: https://sh.bgs.group/3kf
