Generative AI and LLM-related technologies are transforming every life stage of new therapies, from discovery to dispensary. #GenAI4Pharma is helping the biopharma industry adopt these technologies via events held worldwide, during which seasoned executives and startup entrepreneurs can showcase and share ideas.
Shwen Gwee, digital health and corporate innovator, created #GenAI4Pharma. He recently shared with Cure the organization's mission and how it helps seasoned executives and startup entrepreneurs showcase and share gen AI ideas and use cases.
1. What is #GenAI4Pharma?
#GenAI4Pharma is a global series of events that showcases the application of generative AI and LLM-related technologies in the biopharma industry across the pharma lifecycle, such as R&D, Clinical, Medical, Commercial, etc. Each event usually starts with a few keynote sessions led by experienced leaders in this space, such as Alex Zhavoronkov, CEO of Insilico Medicine, our keynote speaker at #GenAI4Pharma: NYC. Insilico Medicine is the first company to have a Generative AI-designed drug candidate [for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)] in Phase 2 clinical trials at the moment.
Following the keynote sessions, the event will transition to the startup pitches. We showcase up to half a dozen startups that are building innovative solutions using GenAI or LLM-based technologies to solve a problem specifically for the biopharma industry.
2. Why did you create this organization? What is its mission?
My 20-year career in the pharma industry focused entirely on digital strategy and innovation, even in the early days when websites and social media were just nascent emerging technologies.
Throughout that time, I always pushed the boundaries. I looked outside industry walls to adopt and adapt new technologies for use in the pharma industry, whether it was social media, mobile apps, digital health solutions and, now, generative AI. Hence, I am familiar with the inherent challenges and resistance of the industry to adopt new technologies too quickly and the internal struggle to figure out if they should build, partner or buy, especially when there are not many industry use cases initially. That's why I created #GenAI4Pharma — the mission is to:
LEARN from experienced thought leaders who have worked in this space for a while (some even before the ChatGPT hype).
SHOWCASE startups and technology vendors already building applications for pharma and demonstrating use cases across the pharma lifecycle.
SHARE & GROW by networking with industry peers, investors and startups who are all trying to figure out the best opportunities to create value and impact using Gen AI and how to solve some of the biggest challenges in the industry using this new technology platform.
Over the last year, these events have become a three-sided marketplace: First, startups pitch to and meet with potential clients and investors, and second, investors meet new Gen AI startups and learn about the product-market fit from pharma attendees. Third, biopharma executives get a chance to learn from the experience of leading experts, hear about industry use cases and discover startups building novel applications specifically for pharma.
3. How are you using your expertise in digital strategy and driving innovation in commercial, clinical, and corporate functions to help GenAI4Pharma thrive?
A big part of my core responsibilities in pharma was to drive enterprise-wide innovation across functions like R&D, Clinical, Commercial, Manufacturing and Supply Chain.
In addition, I'm also a consultant to several startups, as well as an investor, advisor and mentor to both startups and incubator/accelerator programs, so I spend a lot of time working with startups on their value proposition, GTM strategy and storytelling.
4. How does the organization build community? How do you work with partner organizations?
#GenAI4Pharma grows its community through its global event series and works with various event partners/sponsors, who are usually local to the regions where the events are held.
It also builds on foundational communities and networks that I have established over the last 20 years, as I have always maintained good relationships with the broader digital ecosystem throughout my career (including startups, investors, incubators/accelerators, tech companies, etc.), to keep up with new digital innovations that could transform the biopharma industry.
Additionally, I've been running various events and building communities over the last 20 years, most notably Social Health (in the early days of social media and healthcare) and Health Disruptors (which also happens to be the name of my independent consulting practice). In fact, the annual Health Disruptors Dinner — held at the SXSW Festival every year — will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025.
5. What has GenAI4Pharma planned as new initiatives for 2025?
There has been a lot of excitement and demand to bring #GenAI4Pharma to various locations, such as Paris, Barcelona and Berlin. I also tap into various events to capture some of the audience attending another (usually bigger) event in that location. I am considering a few things for 2025, such as a more comprehensive full-day #GenAI4Pharma Summit, covering key pharma functions in more depth, and more events at the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference, SXSW 2025 and locations around the US and EU.
6. How can someone join GenAI4Pharma or get more information?
Please visit the website http://GenAI4Pharma.com and fill out the contact form to register interest. You can also follow me on LinkedIn for regular updates.