What happened: AI use in pharma and government support for startups

The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, highlighted rising use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Manoj Joshi, stated that large pharmaceutical companies increasingly use AI for production and for internal functions such as human resource, marketing, distribution and inventory management. Joshi also stated that startups, especially in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, use AI for drug discovery, including faster identification and shortlisting of potential drug candidates and reduction in the time required for drug discovery.

Manoj Joshi also described challenges for AI-focused startups, including access to capital, software licensing, computing capacity and specialised talent. Joshi stated that the Government is working to address these challenges through initiatives including the National Biopharma Mission and the IndiaAI Mission.

Manoj Joshi further stated that the Government is working to provide substantial support for eligible startups toward software licensing and operational costs to strengthen AI-led innovation in pharmaceuticals.

Background and earlier position: AI needs in clinical work and patient data

Manoj Joshi underlined the need to make healthcare and genetic data accessible to Indian innovators with appropriate safeguards. Joshi linked AI to healthcare application areas including AI in clinical trials, precision medicine and digitisation of patient-level healthcare data.

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