Digitalisation and adoption of AI-powered tools have already become defining trends across the pharmaceutical sector. They are shaping how the entire industry works, from early research to large-scale production and logistics. Companies are increasingly turning to smart tools and data-driven solutions to boost efficiency, improve transparency and build more resilient systems for the future.
At the Pharmaceutical Automation and Digitalisation Congress AUTOMA+ 2025 (24-25 November, Vösendorf, Austria), these topics are going to be in the spotlight. The Сongress is bringing together 290+ professionals and decision-makers from across the pharmaceutical value chain. The participants are going to share expertise and opinions on how digital technologies are transforming the way medicines are discovered, developed and delivered. This article explores some of the projects and essential topics to be discussed during the Congress – with a focus on lab automation, supply chain optimisation and new approaches in compliance.
Digital-driven R&D
CellVoyant, an AI-first biotech company on a mission to cure chronic diseases, is using live cell imaging and machine learning to predict and optimise stem cell differentiation. The team fuses biology and engineering to unlock the future of medicine with cell-based therapies.
“Today’s approach to stem cell differentiation is artisanal, slow and inefficient. The industry measures the start and end states of tissues during experiments, flying blind as to the real time dynamics of cell biology, which results in suboptimal tissue manufacturing protocols at best. With hundreds of clinical trials ongoing and upcoming, we need a better way”, – is stated on the company’s website.
Elisa Pedone (Senior Research Scientist – Stem Cell Operations Lead at CellVoyant) is joining AUTOMA+ 2025 to introduce FateView – CellVoyant’s generalised platform for stem cell assays. CellVoyant uses computer vision to image live cells in culture – this allows researchers to uncover and guide optimal cell fate, supporting real-time, data-driven decisions in drug development. Their AI-first live cell imaging technology predicts and optimises stem cell differentiation, enabling advanced cell analytics, process development and controllable manufacturing of any cell or tissue in the body.
Smart supply chains: Transformation of pharma logistics
Logistics in pharma is undergoing a shift: the push for climate neutrality, growing calls for transparency and ongoing labour shortages are challenging traditional systems. To address these issues, Fraunhofer Austria Research GmbH has released its “Shared Logistics Position Paper”.
Fraunhofer Austria Research GmbH was founded in 2008 and has become a well-established research partner for the Austrian industry. The company is currently working on application-oriented solutions for the benefit of the economy and society. Research for practice is the central task of Fraunhofer institutes and affiliates.
The “Shared Logistics Position Paper” outlines six key action areas. At the heart of the strategy is the collaborative, cross-company use of both physical assets and data to ensure sustainable, resilient and future-ready supply chains.
“Our vision is that AI-supported, shared use of data will steer the logistics supply chains of the future. Through close cooperation with companies and research partners, we want to make this vision accessible to Austria’s logistics and transport industry,” – comment researchers at Fraunhofer Austria Research GmbH.
Martin Riester (Director Centre for Sustainable Production and Logistics at Fraunhofer Austria Research GmbH) is joining the discussion on smart supply chains at AUTOMA+ 2025 to share the results of the company’s work.
In his talk, Martin Riesteris going to present real-life examples of how Artificial Intelligence and Data Science methods are being used to enhance performance across various stages of supply chains, pharma and others. The speaker is going to explore practical applications that have already been implemented, including maintenance and inventory optimisation as well as intelligent distribution strategies. He’s also going to highlight transferable approaches and showcase how data-driven innovations can create more resilient, efficient and responsive supply chains.
Digitalising EBR management – fast and compliant
How much time do pharma companies need to adapt to shifting customer demands or new production batches? These processes could take months, and EBR/MES systems often become the bottleneck, limiting the ability to adjust workflows fast while staying compliant.
To tackle this, anic GmbH, a trailblazer in project management and software solutions, has created anicomply – a web application with which Electronic Batch Record (EBR) recipes can be published within minutes in a fully digital process.
“Even existing SOPs or instructions can be made digitally available after inserting a few markers and uploading them to anicomply – within minutes. This provides unprecedented flexibility for Electronic Batch Record systems in validated environments”, – is stated on the company’s website.
anicomply allows users to create recipes from predefined “blocks”, while captured production data is automatically converted into digital reports and batch records. Live data transfer to historians or data lakes enables real-time production monitoring and quality optimisation.
Another key feature is the integration of electronic signatures (ER), which allow documents and processes to be signed digitally – saving time and reducing paper use. By applying the four-eyes principle, anicomply ensures that every critical decision is reviewed and approved by at least two authorised people, reinforcing process integrity and minimising the risk of errors.
Denis Nicklas (Founder & Managing Director at anic GmbH) is joining AUTOMA+ 2025 to tell more about anic’s projects and share how they are contributing to the pharmaceutical industry’s transformation and helping to tackle limitations with digital and approaches.
Looking ahead: AI-driven future for pharma
Digitalisation has become a driver of lasting change that companies can no longer afford to ignore. What makes this moment unique is the way diverse solutions – from AI in research to smarter logistics and digital compliance – are beginning to connect, creating a more integrated and future-ready ecosystem.
AUTOMA+ 2025 is going to be the place to see these ideas come together, not only through presentations but also in conversations between experts, innovators and decision-makers. It’s an opportunity to look beyond individual tools and explore how collaboration and digital thinking can shape the next chapter of pharmaceutical development.
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