Experts Talk

AI will shift the focus of healthcare professionals toward higher-value tasks like clinical decision-making

Can you share more about Harrison.ai’s mission and how your AI-powered medical imaging and diagnostic solutions are transforming on a global scale? We are on a mission to urgently scale healthcare capacity through AI-powered medical imaging diagnostic support and workflow solutions. Our radiology (Annalise.ai) and pathology (Franklin.ai) solutions help clinicians deliver faster, more accurate diagnoses, aiding in the early detection of cancer and other medical conditions. Harrison.ai has expanded its reach across multiple regions, including APAC, EMEA, the UK and the US. What challenges or opportunities have you faced as you scale your solutions internationally? We have seen that the capacity issue is a universal problem—be it in Australia, the US, or South East Asia. We have also seen a growing appetite to adopt regulatory-cleared AI diagnostic support solutions. The human aspect of technology adoption is crucial. Effective change management is essential to guide clinicians through new ways of working. Additionally, AI must be highly explainable to ensure trust and usability. When training AI on large datasets, we conduct extensive clinical validation to confirm safety and meet regulatory requirements. This process is necessary for the technology to gain approval for sale in specific markets and be used in clinical settings. You’ve raised funding recently — what are the primary areas you plan to invest in a result of this funding? How will it accelerate Harrison.ai’s growth? We are grateful to have recently closed our $112 million Series C round. This funding will accelerate our product development in radiology and pathology, expand our clinical partnerships — in Australia, particularly with the public health system — and scale our global reach in key markets, including the US, as well as our continued growth in APAC, the UK and EMEA. AI in healthcare is evolving rapidly. What are the most significant industry trends you’re seeing right now in medical imaging and diagnostics, and how is Harrison.ai positioning to stay ahead of these trends? As a clinician-focused company, we are deeply invested in staying at the forefront of innovations that positively impact our capacity and improve our way of working. Our team is continuously researching and applying the latest advancements to develop medical-grade AI-powered solutions tailored for radiology and pathology—helping to drive more accurate, efficient and scalable diagnostics. How do you ensure that your AI-driven solutions are effectively integrated into existing healthcare systems? What feedback have you received from clinicians for your solutions? We are focused on delivering clinically validated, high-impact AI solutions that improve patient outcomes at scale. Our AI solutions are trusted, effective and seamlessly integrated into real-world diagnostic support workflows that are already in use by clinicians - they are designed by clinicians for clinicians. Our deep partnerships with leading healthcare providers, rigorous research and commitment to regulatory excellence set us apart. What are the key hurdles to widespread adoption of AI in healthcare, and how is Harrison.ai working to overcome these barriers in terms of trust, compliance and clinical outcomes? Harmonising regulatory frameworks is one of the key hurdles to widespread AI adoption in healthcare. At Harrison.ai, we are focused on ensuring our AI models meet the highest standards of trust, compliance and clinical efficacy across global markets. We work closely with regulators to navigate these complexities and advocate for frameworks that support the safe and efficient deployment of AI in healthcare. Looking ahead, a faster regulatory response to dynamic improvements in AI technology will be essential to unlocking the full potential of AI-driven clinical improvements. How does Harrison.ai ensure the security and privacy of patient data, especially considering the sensitive nature of medical imaging and diagnostic information? What measures are in place to comply with global data protection regulations like GDPR and HIPAA? We take patient data privacy and security extremely seriously, and we work closely with leading research institutions, regulators, and ethics bodies to ensure our AI solutions meet the highest standards for clinical use. Annalise.ai does not collect patient images or patient data, in fact, the data is encrypted and pseudo-anonymised. With the rapid development of AI in healthcare, how do you foresee the role of AI in diagnostics evolving over the next 5 to 10 years? What advancements do you expect to see in both technology and clinical practice? Global healthcare is currently facing several challenges, such as increasing imaging volumes, a shortage of medical professionals, and a high burden on existing staff. This is bound to increase in the coming years. Peer-reviewed clinical research in relation to using AI to review chest X-rays has demonstrated that, in most cases, the radiologist’s performance is improved with AI support. Clinicians need to adapt to this evolution, envisioning a future where AI tools become collaborators, not replacements. Radiology departments should prioritise AI integration as a matter of urgency to ensure the clinicians have the technology support they need, to address increasing workloads. Going forward we see more adoption of comprehensive AI rather than narrow AI solutions– helping clinicians to diagnose many potential diseases or medical conditions with one AI tool. A tool’s comprehensiveness incorporates its breadth and depth of coverage, providing detailed insights into a range of modalities while reaching a broad sphere of patient demographics. Any solution that looks for a comprehensive range of findings can more effectively triage and prioritise worklists, and help diagnose rare or unsuspected medical conditions. As AI and automation continue to play an increasingly prominent role in healthcare, how do you address the concerns regarding the potential impact on jobs in the healthcare sector, particularly among radiologists and pathologists? We believe that AI will transform—not replace—clinical roles in healthcare. While AI can automate certain tasks performed by radiologists and pathologists, we see it enhancing rather than eliminating these roles. AI will shift the focus of healthcare professionals toward higher-value tasks like clinical decision-making, patient care and complex case analysis. This evolution will ultimately improve efficiency and patient outcomes while ensuring that human expertise remains at the core of healthcare.

Healing an Ailing MedTech Talent Ecosystem

The demand for personalised and efficient healthcare is on the rise and the medical technology (medtech) industry is booming within the APAC region. But at the same time, the region is faced with an ageing population and a growing burden of disease, exacerbated by limited healthcare infrastructure and manpower. Further, the region is witnessing accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, 3D printing, and smart diagnostics, reshaping healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Both the public and private sectors across APAC countries are investing in the growing adoption of new technologies to strengthen the medtech sector. If we look closely, individual countries within the APAC region have distinct technological strengths and capabilities. For instance, China and India stand out for their vast technical talent pools, while Japan and South Korea are notable for having a large pool of users for AI-enabled solutions; and Singapore and Australia are recognised for their well-established healthcare data infrastructure and strong capabilities in AI development. However, workers within the medtech often lack access to the necessary training or educational resources required to adopt the new skills. This digital divide has led to a growing demand for scalable and accessible upskilling initiatives. Thus, the medtech sector within the APAC region must prepare their workforces for a technology-driven future in order to realise economic growth, social equity and innovation, to avoid wage gaps, trade imbalances and security threats. “AI is set to revolutionise product differentiation and productivity across the medtech value chain. For instance, autonomous robotic surgeries, which are being developed and deployed in Japan, leverage AI and advanced robotics to perform precise and minimally invasive procedures. Another example is the use of AI-enhanced bio-devices in China, where bioelectronic medicine devices use electrical stimulation to treat chronic diseases. Challenges related to integrating AI in medical technologies can be addressed by establishing supportive policies such as building a robust AI talent ecosystem across APAC. For instance, Singapore’s AI Apprenticeship Program (AIAP) focuses on enhancing engineering skills through deep-skilling training and industry projects. Additionally, similar programmes are being explored in countries like Australia and South Korea to address the talent gap”, said Harjit Gill, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific Medical Technology Association (APACMed). Addressing Digital Divide APACMed and Bain & Company, with support from the Singapore Economic Development Board, recently undertook a study to identify the AI talent needs within the medtech industry across APAC. The report revealed that collaboration and early action on capability building can enable APAC countries to ride the waves of transformation in healthcare. In addition, the industry and the government need to strengthen ‘bilingual talent’ that has the necessary capacity and skills to traverse the medical and deep tech ecosystems. Without regional alignment on skills requirements and a consistent approach, talent and capability are likely to be inconsistent across regions. Ensuring that stakeholders possess the necessary skills and capabilities is crucial for the successful integration of technology. Policymakers thus, must develop and promote initiatives aimed at supporting both current and future efforts to upskill and enhance technological capabilities. Realising this as a need of the hour, Singapore’s Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong introduced key initiatives in Budget 2025, presented on February 18, which include expanded training allowances, an enhanced SkillsFuture Workforce Development Grant, and a revamped SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit scheme. Likewise, China Education Development Foundation (CEDF), Dell Technologies, and the National Center for Educational Technology (NCET) have recently launched the 2025 ‘Upskilling Future Workforce for the Digital Economy’ project. Further, the Indian government has introduced major educational reforms in its Budget 2025-26 announcement, which include the establishment of National Centres of Excellence (CoEs) for Skilling and investment of Rs 500 crore into a CoE in AI for education, to enhance skill development and promote digital inclusivity. Citing another example, the Human Resources Ministry in Malaysia is allocating RM3 billion starting in 2025 to strengthen the local workforce and its adaptability in response to rapid technological advancements and changing industry demands. Further, the Department of Skill Development in Thailand aims to upskill and reskill over five million workers in 2025, emphasising digital technology to support industrial advancement. On the other hand, South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy have announced the opening of a Global Talent Centre, which aims to attract more foreign talent to Korea's tech sector. “A recent report forecasts that technological shifts will generate 2.7 to 3.5 million new jobs by 2027, even as they replace about 23 per cent of existing positions. So, the integration of advanced technologies requires professionals with robust digital literacy and problem-solving abilities. Many professionals lack hands-on experience with advanced medical technologies, and communication gaps hinder seamless interactions in global settings. Bridging this gap means focused efforts from all sides where collaboration is a key factor”, said Munira Loliwala, VP- Strategy and Growth, TeamLease Digital. Value of Collaboration Collaborative environments which include the participation of government bodies, big industry players, startups and academicians play a huge role in the process of learning, innovation and upskilling. Also, exploring strategies and channels that encourage early dialogue and engagement among stakeholders is equally necessary for talent development. According to reports, specialised workforce education programmes offer a potential opportunity for incentivising technological innovation. As a result, we need more education and training programmes to develop professionals with knowledge in both medical domains and technology. In this regard, a new trend is being set by the global tech players that are developing new partnerships and collaborations with governments, academic institutes, and hospitals across the APAC region, to resolve the digital divide. For example, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs in Indonesia and Microsoft have launched elevAIte Indonesia, a new AI skilling initiative to equip 1 million Indonesian talents with AI skills across sectors. Focusing particularly on the partnerships taking place within the medtech sector, Medtronic has recently partnered with UMC, Vietnam’s largest university medical centre to enhance minimally invasive surgery education. Comprehensive continuing medical education programmes are being made available to accelerate the learning curve for surgeons. Another project has been signed recently with the Malaysian Society of Colorectal Surgeons, aimed at enhancing the skills of colorectal surgeons in Malaysia. Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences and India Medtronic Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Irish firm Medtronic, have announced a partnership to establish new Surgical Skill Lab in India, to improve the skills of budding surgeons and provide an overall appreciation and understanding of minimally invasive surgery. Similarly, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and US-based medtech company Intuitive, are establishing an innovative new training centre for robotic-assisted surgery, to focus on equipping surgeons and care teams with the skills and technology training necessary to perform robotic-assisted surgery across specialities including urology, gynaecology, general surgery and more. Dr M Srinivas, Director, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi, said, "With the rising disease burden in India-cancers, urologic, and gynecological conditions requiring soft tissue surgery, the demand for advanced technologies like robotic-assisted surgery is growing. The need for associated training is clear in India.” Further, Healthium Medtech, based in India, has collaborated with the Healthcare Sector Skill Council to enhance skill development in the Indian healthcare workforce by offering specialised training and certification programmes for skilling healthcare professionals across India. Another recent notable collaboration between Medtronic and Philips is about training over 300 cardiologists and radiologists in advanced imaging techniques for structural heart diseases, with a focus on End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients in India. Royal Philips has also partnered with Singapore General Hospital (SGH) to advance medical imaging capabilities in Asia Pacific with a first-of-its-kind MRI training collaboration, to advance medical imaging education and capabilities. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) training centre is being set up in SGH as an educational hub for radiographers from across the APAC region, to facilitate the upskilling of radiographers with the latest MRI clinical applications and host educational workshops, seminars and trainings across the public or private sectors. A big medtech player in Japan, Olympus is also investing its time and resources to upskill the workforce aligning with the new age technologies. The company has recently opened a new centre in India, in partnership with HCL in this regard. Sharing his perspective, Marc Radatt, Chief Executive Officer, Olympus Corporation Asia Pacific said, “The demand for skilled medtech professionals in the APAC region is growing rapidly, with some markets experiencing a more significant increase than others. To meet this demand, we must continue to invest in the development of medtech professionals to ensure a steady supply of qualified talent. We have observed that many medtech companies in the APAC region often fulfill the requirement for skilled workforces by hiring from other companies in the same industry. In this context, we have positioned our organisation as a destination for both existing employees seeking to enhance their skills and those transitioning from other industries, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to excel in the medtech sector.” Terumo, another Japanese medtech company, has also recently revealed similar plans towards upskilling the healthcare workforce in India and Singapore with new initiatives. The company has launched its Terumo Asia Skill Lab in Singapore, to invite healthcare professionals, as well as biomedical students from across the region to participate in masterclasses and workshops and engage in collaborative research initiatives. Further, to enhance the clinical skills of healthcare professionals in India, Terumo has expanded its existing skill-based lab with new capabilities. “We must not only ensure access to training but also ensure the training is relevant for years to come. Creating a skills-based society is key to building a more resilient and adaptive workforce, and partnerships are one of the most powerful tools at our disposal to drive this transformation”, said Guy Diedrich, Senior Vice President and Global Innovation Officer at Cisco. The shift from a job-based to a skills-based medtech ecosystem is very much in demand, and all stakeholders must continue to invest in skilling programmes, prioritising inclusivity. Vrushti Kothari (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Exploring Careers in Clinical Research: Pathways, Roles, and Future Prospects in India

Clinical research plays a crucial role in the development of new treatments, bridging scientific knowledge with real-world applications. It encompasses a range of sub disciplines or domains, including clinical science, operations, data management, biostatistics, pharmacovigilance, and regulatory science. As the healthcare industry evolves, mastering these technical aspects is essential for professionals aspiring to make an impact. At its core, clinical research involves understanding disease mechanisms, evaluating therapeutic interventions, and rigorously testing new treatments. Professionals in this field ensure that clinical trials are conducted ethically, adhering to protocols, regulatory guidelines, and Good Clinical Practices (GCP). With India’s expanding role in global clinical trials, the need for skilled researchers is growing, offering exciting career prospects for those ready to shape the future of Medicines, Vaccines, Diagnostics and Medical Devices. Key Domains and Career Opportunities Clinical Science: Clinical science or Clinical Development focuses on understanding the Target Product Profile, designing clinical trials, ensuring scientific rigor, and providing medical oversight throughout the study. Professionals in this field collaborate with investigators, regulatory bodies, and other cross functional teams to develop study protocols, analyse trial data, and ensure ethical and regulatory compliance. Potential Roles: Clinical Scientist, Medical Director, Medical Monitor, Clinical Research Physician. Clinical Operations: Clinical operations are responsible for the execution of trials, including site monitoring, project management, and ensuring adherence to protocols and timelines. Clinical operations teams work closely with investigators and study coordinators to ensure high-quality data collection and regulatory compliance across trial sites. Managing clinical trials efficiently requires expertise in planning, risk assessment, budgeting, and resource allocation. Strong project management skills help keep studies on track, within budget, and compliant with global and local regulations. Potential Roles: Clinical Research Associate (CRA), Clinical Trial Manager, Clinical Project Manager, Clinical Program Manager, Clinical Research Coordinator. Biostatistics & Statistical Programming: Biostatistics plays a crucial role in designing studies, analysing clinical trial data, and ensuring statistical validity, helping researchers draw meaningful conclusions that impact drug development and regulatory decisions. Biostatisticians work closely with data management and clinical teams to interpret trial results. Potential Roles: Biostatistician, Statistical Programmer, Data Scientist, SAS/R Programmer, Clinical Data Analyst. Pharmacovigilance: Pharmacovigilance is essential in monitoring drug safety, identifying adverse events, and ensuring that medicines continue to meet safety and efficacy standards post-approval. This field involves analysing real-world drug use data and collaborating with regulatory agencies to maintain patient safety. Potential Roles: Drug Safety Associate, Pharmacovigilance Scientist, Risk Management Specialist, Signal Detection Analyst, Medical Reviewer. Data Management: Technology has revolutionised clinical trials, transforming how vast amounts of data are collected, analysed, and interpreted. Experts in this domain ensure seamless data collection, maintaining accuracy, integrity, and compliance with global standards like CDISC. Potential Roles: Clinical Data Manager, Data Coder, Database Programmer. Regulatory Affairs: Regulatory Affairs play a crucial role in ensuring that drugs are developed, tested, and approved in compliance with evolving global regulatory standards while maintaining patient safety and product efficacy. Regulatory science is the disciple which combines scientific and technical methods to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of products. The Regulatory Affairs professionals act as the bridge between pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (U.S.), the European Medicines Agency (EMA) (Europe), the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) (India), and other global health authorities. Their role involves preparing and submitting Investigational New Drug (IND), New Drug Application (NDA), Biologics License Application (BLA), and Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) dossiers and facilitating drug approvals. They are also responsible for lifecycle maintenance activities, including labelling updates, post-approval variations, and renewals. The Regulatory Scientists apply data-driven approaches to optimise drug development and regulatory decision-making. Potential Roles: Regulatory Affairs Associate, Regulatory Affairs Manager, Regulatory Submissions Lead, CMC Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Regulatory Scientist, Regulatory Policy Analyst, Regulatory Intelligence Specialist, Expert Reviewer in Regulatory Agencies. Medical Writing: Medical Writing plays a crucial role in clinical research by developing clear, accurate, and regulatory-compliant documents essential for drug development and approval. It involves drafting protocols, investigator brochures, informed consent forms, clinical study reports, and regulatory submissions to ensure scientific and regulatory clarity. Effective medical writing facilitates communication between researchers, regulatory agencies, and healthcare professionals. Potential Roles: Medical Writer, Regulatory Writer, Scientific Communications Manager. Quality Assurance: Quality Assurance ensures compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), protocols, and ethical standards in clinical research and drug development. It focuses on risk management, regulatory adherence, and maintaining data integrity to ensure high-quality outcomes. Potential Roles: Quality Assurance (QA) Auditor, GCP Compliance Specialist, Quality Management Lead. Future of Clinical Research in India India’s clinical research landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by significant regulatory advancements, technological growth, and the expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs). These factors are creating new career opportunities, positioning India as a key player in the global drug development and clinical research industry. A career in clinical research typically requires a background in life sciences, pharmacy, medicine, or allied health sciences. While a Bachelor's or Master’s degree (MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, B.Sc., M.Sc.) enables entry into the industry, advanced degrees like PhD or MD help in career development. To pursue a career as a Biostatistician or Statistical Programmer in drug development, a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or Life Sciences is required, with a master's or PhD in Biostatistics, Statistics, or Epidemiology preferred for specialised roles. Proficiency in statistical analysis and programming languages like SAS, R, Python, STATA, or SPSS is essential, along with a strong understanding of clinical trial design, regulatory guidelines, and GCP. Many pharmaceutical companies and Contract Research Organizations (CROs) offer internship programmes that provide hands-on experience in clinical trials and research methodologies. Aspiring clinical research professionals should pursue these opportunities to gain practical knowledge, enhance their skills, and improve their job prospects. Beyond technical expertise, soft skills play a pivotal role in clinical research. Leadership, teamwork, conflict resolution, and critical thinking are essential in ensuring smooth collaboration and problem-solving. Professionals must analyse data, address unexpected challenges, and make informed decisions quickly, particularly in high-pressure situations. Growing Demand in India The clinical research industry in India is poised for significant growth, offering diverse career opportunities for professionals across various domains. With India's evolving regulatory landscape, business environment and technological advancements, the future of clinical research in the country is promising and full of potential. A career in clinical research requires a balance of scientific expertise, ethical commitment, and interpersonal skills. It is a field that not only drives healthcare innovation but also impacts patient lives. The journey demands continuous learning, intellectual curiosity, and emotional intelligence. Ultimately, clinical research professionals are more than just scientists or managers—they are leaders, innovators, and advocates for ethical, effective, and transformative medical advancements. As India continues to expand its footprint in global drug development, opportunities in clinical research are growing rapidly. Professionals with the right skill set can make significant contributions to advancing medical science and improving patient care. Anirban Roy Chowdhury, Treasurer, Indian Society for Clinical Research

“Demand for skilled medtech professionals in the Asia Pacific region is growing rapidly”

2024 saw Japanese medtech firm Olympus receiving approval for the company’s first cloud-based AI endoscopy devices in the US and Europe, marking a significant milestone in Olympus' efforts to enhance clinical outcomes and operational efficiency in endoscopy, paving the way to launch its upcoming endoscopy solution, the “Intelligent Endoscopy Ecosystem”. The estimated revenue and annual growth rate during the fiscal year ending March 2025 of Olympus Corporation is approximately 1,009 billion yen/ 9 per cent. To find out more about the company’s strategic growth plans in the new year, BioSpectrum Asia interacted with Marc Radatt, Chief Executive Officer of Olympus Corporation Asia Pacific, Singapore. Could you please share some details of the company's investment plans, and new product development in the coming years? In emerging markets, demand for medical devices is growing due to rapidly increasing populations, lifestyle changes resulting from economic growth, and the expansion of medical infrastructures. The need for gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopes, which contribute to the early detection and treatment of GI cancers, is increasing as the incidence of cancer is expected to rise in the future. Conversely, emerging markets are facing a shortage of highly specialised endoscopists. Therefore, we will continue to increase our investment in training activities for endoscopists in these regions. Following the establishment of a direct subsidiary in Indonesia in 2024, we will continue to focus our efforts on building our profile and collaborate with healthcare professionals (HCPs) to enhance patient outcomes and access to healthcare in this growing market. In light of the ongoing healthcare reforms across Southeast Asia, we are committed to working closely with HCPs across our region to advance healthcare through our ongoing professional training programmes. In addition, we will continue to roll out key products to various markets in the region across our gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urology portfolios by the fiscal year ending March 2026. Olympus is engaged in the development of technology that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to enhance the quality of medical care for patients and clinicians, while also expanding the scope of endoscopic diagnosis and treatment. For example, the “Intelligent Endoscopy Ecosystem”, powered by a state-of-the-art software platform and AI, aims to elevate patient care by providing actionable insights throughout the patient journey. This platform is a transition from a hardware-centric model to one emphasizing continuous software innovations via over-the-air updates and on-demand apps, ensuring efficient and precise detection, diagnosis, and treatment. The ecosystem aims to enhance clinical workflows through data-driven automation, improving efficiency, patient safety, and reducing human error. It also supports healthcare professionals by easing training and minimising mental workload, helping attract and retain next-generation talent. Non-clinical staff benefit from automated administrative solutions, such as inventory and asset management, optimising hospital operations. We’re uniquely positioned to harness our extensive endoscopy portfolio, and we aim to maximise synergies and shape the future of endoscopy by leveraging data for better outcomes and efficiency. Olympus has recently opened an R&D centre in Hyderabad, India. What are the major objectives of this new centre? Would you be partnering with local hospitals, medtech players to strengthen your presence in the country? In June 2024, Olympus announced a strategic initiative to establish an R&D Offshore Development Center (ODC) in Hyderabad, India, in partnership with HCLTech. This move aims to diversify our innovation efforts by leveraging Hyderabad's status as a medtech hub and its talent pool. Hyderabad was chosen because it is a major metropolitan area known for being India’s medtech hub, which can provide the significant amount of talent needed for research and development necessary for Olympus' solutions. The initiative is part of our broader strategy to expand global R&D capabilities, with plans to establish an in-house R&D centre in Hyderabad in the future, complementing existing centres in Japan, the US, and Europe. Furthermore, we plan to strengthen our presence in India by collaborating with AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, on joint research projects. Through this partnership with a leading healthcare institution, our aim is to leverage clinical expertise to develop innovative medical solutions addressing global patient needs. These initiatives highlight our commitment to advancing medical technology, expanding our global reach, and delivering impactful healthcare solutions. What are the current challenges facing the endoscopy market in the Asia Pacific region? How is Olympus addressing those challenges? The lack of trained physicians who can perform endoscopy procedures is a challenge in the region, and is having a detrimental impact on the accessibility and quality of patient care. Consequently, Olympus is committed to facilitating professional education in a variety of formats, including in-person training at one of our regional training and education centres and via online training. This is our key focus as we seek to address this regional challenge. We have also been actively working with medical institutions; for example, we have recently announced our partnership with Rizal Medical Center in the Philippines. This partnership was established to train the next generation of endoscopists and to ultimately contribute to the development of digestive medicine in the Philippines. It will require the sustained commitment of numerous contributors in the endoscopy market over an extended period. With “Patient Focus” as our primary objective, we are determined to make a meaningful impact, ensuring that more patients in the region have access to quality endoscopy procedures. In general, the demand for skilled medtech professionals in the Asia Pacific region is growing rapidly, with some markets experiencing a more significant increase than others. To meet this demand, it is essential that we continue to invest in the development of medtech professionals to ensure a steady supply of qualified talent. We have observed that many medtech companies in the Asia Pacific region often fulfill the requirement for skilled workforces by hiring from other companies in the same industry. In this context, we offer a structured training programme tailored to specific roles, including sales, repair services, and the quality assurance segment. We have positioned our organisation as a destination for both existing employees seeking to enhance their skills and those transitioning from other industries, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to excel in the medtech sector. Training is conducted remotely or in person at local offices or dedicated regional training centres, such as the Olympus Thailand Training and Education Center (T-TEC). In some cases, employees are sent abroad to attend courses in countries like Japan and Germany, where a significant portion of our research and development and manufacturing occurs. How is Olympus supporting the growth of medtech startups in the Asia Pacific region? As a leading global medtech company, we recognise the startup space as a vital source of inorganic innovation, a crucial driver of growth for any business. In 2022, we established the Olympus Asia Pacific Innovation Program. This initiative invited regional startups to pitch to Olympus, with the winner receiving a funding grant and an exclusive mentorship programme with key thought leaders from our company. Investing in or collaborating with startups allows large corporations to expand their innovation pipeline and bring new solutions to the market more swiftly. Olympus has invested in, collaborated with, and acquired SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and startups with the goal of developing next-generation solutions that advance minimally invasive treatment and the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of lesions. An example of this would be our iTind urology offering. By integrating innovations, Olympus has remained true to one of our core strategies of focusing on the provision of minimally invasive surgical solutions.

Dynamic Leadership Transformations in the Pharmaceutical Industry (2024)

Dynamic Leadership Transformations in the Pharmaceutical Industry (2024) The pharmaceutical sector in 2024 underwent remarkable leadership transitions that underscore its commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and global expansion. These changes, spanning prominent organizations such as Innate Pharma, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca, signal a pivotal moment in the industry's evolution. Below, we explore key executive appointments and departures, delving into their implications for the sector's future. Key Appointments and Transitions Jonathan Dickinson at Innate Pharma Jonathan Dickinson was named CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board at Innate Pharma, succeeding interim CEO Hervé Brailly. Dickinson's extensive experience with industry giants like Novartis and Bristol-Myers Squibb positions him to advance Innate’s immuno-oncology initiatives, signaling a bold step toward transformative cancer therapies. Chris Boshoff Leading Pfizer’s R&D Pfizer announced the appointment of Dr. Chris Boshoff as Chief Scientific Officer and President of R&D. Boshoff, who previously spearheaded the oncology division, succeeds the retiring Dr. Mikael Dolsten. This transition reflects Pfizer’s focus on a strategic and targeted approach to research and development. AstraZeneca Strengthens Its Board Rene Haas and Birgit Conix joined AstraZeneca's board as non-executive directors. Their expertise aims to bolster the company's governance and enhance its ability to deliver groundbreaking healthcare solutions globally. Eli Lilly's Financial and Quality Enhancements Lucas Montarce was named Executive Vice President and CFO, replacing Anat Ashkenazi. Concurrently, Melissa Seymour assumed the role of EVP of Global Quality. Both appointments highlight Eli Lilly’s emphasis on strengthening its financial and operational frameworks to support its innovative pipeline. ProBio’s Strategic Appointments ProBio introduced Allen Guo as CEO and expanded its U.S. operations leadership team with Whitney Winters and Michael Vreeland. These changes aim to reinforce the company’s mission of accelerating life-changing therapies. Fennec Pharmaceuticals’ Executive Additions The addition of Pierre S. Sayad as Chief Medical Officer and other strategic roles demonstrates Fennec’s commitment to advancing PEDMARK®, addressing a critical unmet need in pediatric cancer care. Significant Departures Karen Lynch’s Exit from CVS Health Karen Lynch’s resignation as CEO marks a critical transition for CVS Health amidst financial challenges. David Joyner’s appointment as her successor reflects a need for experienced leadership to navigate the company's current difficulties. Joe Kiani Departs Masimo Joe Kiani’s resignation as CEO of Masimo follows a proxy battle, ushering in interim CEO Michelle Brennan. This change occurs as the company evaluates strategic options for its consumer business.

Why industry-academia collaboration is crucial for biomedical sciences

Biomedical sciences encompass a wide array of disciplines, from biotechnology and pharmacology to clinical research and medical device development. This field is crucial to the development of therapies, diagnostics, vaccines, and other medical innovations that directly impact public health. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, India’s healthcare needs are immense, creating an urgent demand for new solutions in healthcare. India has already established itself as a global hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing, earning the nickname “pharmacy of the world.” However, while the country excels in generics and large-scale production, its contribution to cutting-edge biomedical research and innovation still lags. Addressing this gap requires collaboration between academia, which can provide fundamental research and innovation, and industry, which can offer resources, funding, and practical implementation. Opportunities for Growth Through Industry-Academia Collaboration Accelerating Research and Development (R&D) One of the primary benefits of industry-academia partnerships is the acceleration of research and development. Academia has a rich talent pool of researchers and scientists, while industry offers access to funding, infrastructure, and practical know-how. When these two sectors collaborate, they can pool their strengths to drive innovation in areas such as drug discovery, medical devices, diagnostics, and biopharmaceuticals. For example, research institutions can focus on early-stage discoveries, and once promising leads are identified, industries can step in to support translational research and commercialisation. This not only fast-tracks the R&D process but also increases the likelihood of bringing new technologies to market. In India, government-backed initiatives such as the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) have been pivotal in encouraging such collaborations by providing funding and incubation opportunities for joint projects between industry and academia. Bridging the Talent Gap A well-educated workforce is essential for the growth of biomedical sciences. Academia plays a critical role in providing students with foundational knowledge, but the industry offers hands-on experience and application-based learning. By working together, industry and academic institutions can create specialised training programmes and internships that better prepare students for the demands of the biomedical sector. Collaborative programmes that include joint degrees, internships, and co-operative education can create a seamless transition for students from the classroom to the workplace. Furthermore, industries can benefit from access to a pipeline of well-trained, job-ready graduates, while academia can ensure that its curriculum aligns with the latest industry trends and demands. Driving Innovation in Medical Technologies India's biomedical sector stands to benefit from a wave of medical technology innovations, from artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in diagnostics to the development of more accessible and affordable medical devices. Industry-academia partnerships can significantly influence the pace at which these innovations are developed and deployed. Collaboration can facilitate the development of technologies that address India's unique healthcare challenges, such as improving access to healthcare in rural areas or addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Furthermore, by collaborating with global industry leaders, Indian academia can ensure that local innovations meet international standards, opening the door to export and global collaboration. Access to Funding and Resources One of the most significant challenges for academic research in India is the lack of adequate funding. By collaborating with industry, research institutions can gain access to the financial resources necessary to support high-quality research. Industry can also provide access to cutting-edge technologies, infrastructure, and technical expertise that may otherwise be unavailable to academic researchers. For instance, large pharmaceutical companies or medical device manufacturers often have access to the latest tools for drug testing, imaging, and data analytics. Academic researchers can leverage these resources to enhance the quality and scope of their studies. Furthermore, industries that invest in academic research stand to benefit from the commercialisation of innovative products that emerge from these collaborations. Challenges in Industry-Academia Collaborations While the potential for growth is significant, industry-academia collaborations in India face a number of challenges that need to be addressed for successful partnerships. Differences in Objectives and Timelines One of the biggest barriers to successful collaborations is the difference in goals and timelines between academia and industry. Academic institutions are often driven by the pursuit of knowledge and the desire to publish their findings, while industries are focused on market-driven outcomes and the commercialisation of products. Moreover, industries usually operate on tighter timelines, aiming for quick returns on their investments, while academic research may take years to yield results. Overcoming this challenge requires clear communication and alignment of objectives from the outset. Establishing shared goals that benefit both parties, such as focusing on translational research with commercial potential, can help bridge this gap. Intellectual Property (IP) Issues Ownership of intellectual property is another challenge that can complicate industry-academia partnerships. When research leads to new discoveries or inventions, disputes may arise over who holds the rights to these innovations. Academic institutions may seek to retain control over their research, while industries may want exclusive rights to commercialise the products. Establishing clear IP agreements at the beginning of a collaboration can mitigate conflicts. A balanced approach that protects the interests of both parties while encouraging innovation is essential. Funding Limitations While industry involvement can provide much-needed funding for academic research, not all institutions have the same access to industry partners. Smaller universities or those in rural areas may struggle to attract industry interest, leading to unequal opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, industries may be hesitant to invest in early-stage research that does not promise immediate returns, limiting the scope of innovation. To address this, government initiatives could play a critical role in providing seed funding and incentives for industries to collaborate with academic institutions, especially in underserved regions. Regulatory and Bureaucratic Hurdles The regulatory landscape for biomedical research in India can also pose challenges. Lengthy approval processes, bureaucratic red tape, and complex compliance requirements can slow down innovation and discourage industry involvement. Streamlining these processes and creating more favourable policies for industry-academia collaboration could help remove some of these barriers. The Way Forward Fostering collaboration between industry and academia is not just an opportunity—it is a necessity for the growth of biomedical sciences in India. As the country continues to evolve as a global healthcare leader, bridging the gap between research and practical application will be key to meeting both domestic and international healthcare needs. To capitalise on the opportunities presented by such partnerships, both sectors must address the challenges that currently hinder collaboration. By aligning goals, securing funding, and navigating regulatory frameworks, industry-academia partnerships can unlock the full potential of India's biomedical sector. With the right support, India can position itself at the forefront of biomedical innovation, driving advancements that benefit not only its own population but the global community as well.

How Asia is Addressing Mental Health Issues?

Mental health issues are well-documented, affecting nearly one billion people worldwide, with approximately 260 million residing in the WHO South-East Asia Region. Insufficient investment in mental health services and the healthcare workforce has led to significant treatment gaps in the region, a situation further worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Global estimates indicate the WHO South-East Asia Region accounts for around 27 per cent of all cases of depression and 23 per cent of all cases of anxiety. Despite its inclusion in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), only 2 per cent of total government health expenditure and 1 per cent of global development assistance for health are dedicated to mental health, according to the WHO’s Mental Health Atlas 2020. Mental illness presents a significant health and socioeconomic burden, accounting for over 20 per cent of total Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) and 9.3 per cent of Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) in the Asia-Pacific region. As per a report by The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (2016), even advanced economies like Australia and New Zealand face GDP deficits of 3.5 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively, linked to mental illness. Furthermore, it is estimated that by 2030, mental illness will result in a loss of $11 trillion in economic growth for India and China alone, according to a report ‘Provision for Supporting People with Mental Illness: A Comparison of 15 Asia-Pacific Countries,’ prepared by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and sponsored by Janssen Asia Pacific. To address these growing concerns, policymakers and health systems across the region are taking a note. Various countries have developed national strategic plans and made investments to strengthen mental healthcare. “I’ve witnessed the growing focus on mental health across Asia, where governments, organisations and the community are increasingly addressing the rising mental health challenges. Significant reforms have been introduced to improve access to care, reduce stigma, and integrate mental health into broader healthcare systems. There are quite a few notable reforms that have been introduced in Asia that left me feeling hopeful and encouraged,” said Theodoric Chew, CEO and Co-founder, Intellect, Singapore. Intellect is Asia's largest mental health platform serving 3.5 million members in 60+ countries. Let’s look at some of them in detail. National Policy Initiatives in Asia Singapore: In 2023, the Ministry of Health introduced the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy. This was a comprehensive plan to improve Singapore’s mental health ecosystem and outlined planned whole-of-government and whole-of-society efforts to increase accessibility for mental health support. This will include efforts to expand capacity of mental health services, like having more general practitioners (GPs) be trained to provide mental health services like assessment and medical treatment. There are other initiatives as well. In 2024, a white paper by ground-up initiative Project Hayat (led by advocacy group SG Mental Health Matters) was released. This white paper comprised of 23 recommendations including a national public awareness campaign on suicide prevention and integrating suicide prevention education into school curriculum. The Beyond the Label campaign (launched in 2018) by the National Council of Social Service aims to reduce stigma associated with mental health conditions. “Additionally, there have been initiatives introduced by the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) that focus on workplace wellbeing programmes. One of the notable initiatives is the guidelines that companies must consider if an employee requests for flexible work arrangements. This has since been adopted by the Ministry of Manpower,” said Chew. South Korea: The country is making strides in enhancing its mental health policies with the establishment of a Mental Health Policy Innovation Committee. This initiative aims to develop and implement effective strategies to improve mental health care across the country. As part of these efforts, Korea has also launched a collaboration project with the World Bank to improve mental health awareness. This project will share case studies of successful mental health stigma reduction programmes from different countries, allowing for discussions on their applicability in the Korean context. “To tackle the country’s high suicide rates, South Korea rolled out a plan to offer mental health checkups every two years for Koreans aged 20 to 34. The aim is to detect warning signs of mental distress early. This is a huge improvement from their previous plan, which was to provide mental health checkups for Koreans aged 20 to 70, every ten years,” said Chew. Australia: The country boasts a robust mental health policy, continually prioritising reforms and investing millions to enhance mental health services. In April 2024, the government announced $4.6 million to support youth mental health research. The 2021–22 Federal Budget allocated $2.3 billion over four years to the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan, responding to recommendations from the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry Report on Mental Health and the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. Most recommendations emphasize collaboration between the Australian Government and state and territory governments through the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement. This plan is built on five key pillars: prevention and early intervention, suicide prevention, treatment, support for vulnerable populations, and workforce development. In the 2022–23 Budget, an additional $547 million was allocated to reinforce these pillars, followed by a further $586.9 million in the 2023–24 Budget to expand and enhance ongoing projects. China: In recent years, the Chinese government has implemented various policies and initiatives designed to improve the mental health service system and promote equitable access to these services. The release of the Fourteenth Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development in 2020 highlighted key national strategic priorities, which encompass mental health education for adolescents and the enhancement of mental health services. China is dedicated to bolstering prevention and treatment to prevalent mental health disorders while expanding public mental health services, especially for the youth, to significantly improve the overall health literacy of the nation. India: In the past decade, the Government of India has implemented various measures to address the gaps in mental health services and promote equitable access. The National Mental Health Policy (NMHP), introduced in 2014, along with the Mental Healthcare Act (MHCA) of 2017, establishes strategies aimed at enhancing mental health care and protecting the rights of individuals. The NMHP emphasises the importance of providing comprehensive care that includes both outpatient and community-based services. It advocates for increased resource allocation to make these services more accessible and for their integration into general healthcare systems. Additionally, the policy highlights the significance of research, including national surveys, to inform effective policy planning and implementation. Japan: The country has a robust mental health policy that is continually being improved. In 2019, the Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) launched its Mental Health Policy Project to incorporate the perspectives of citizens and those affected by mental health issues. Despite ongoing progress, challenges persist. HGPI convened an advisory board of experts and individuals with lived experience to identify key issues, resulting in the proposal ‘Mental Health 2020 – Proposal for Tomorrow.’ This proposal outlines five perspectives: enhancing mental health literacy, developing integrated community care systems, creating supportive community living environments, establishing data-driven policymaking, and fostering ongoing stakeholder engagement in mental health discussions. These efforts reflect a progressive approach to addressing mental health concerns. A proactive, collaborative, and research-informed strategy is essential for making mental healthcare universally accessible and effective.

How Asia is Emerging As Biomanufacturing Powerhouse

Countries like South Korea, Singapore, and others in Asia are making strides in enhancing their bio-manufacturing capabilities. The collective effort made by the respective countries helps to position Asia as a key player in the global biopharma industry towards fostering innovation, international collaborations and investments, as well as improving the regulatory environment. According to Market Data Forecast, the Asia Pacific biopharmaceuticals market was valued at $44.3 billion in 2023 and is expected to be worth $78.69 billion by 2029 with a CAGR of 10.05 per cent from 2024 to 2029. “Asia-Pacific has emerged as a dynamic and influential region in the global biopharma industry in recent years and this transformation is driven by a confluence of factors, from rapid economic growth and significant government investments to a highly skilled workforce and a supportive regulatory environment,” said Chua Keng Hock, Senior Vice President of Process Solutions, Asia Pacific, Life Science Business of Merck. The support of the local government and investment are pivotal in driving the growth of the biopharma sector in Asia. “The local governments in Asia have made substantial investments in the biopharma sector, focusing on building infrastructure and creating life science hubs to foster collaboration and innovation. For example, South Korea's ‘Bio-Health Industry Promotion Plan’ aims to enhance the country's biotechnology capabilities through initiatives like the National Synthetic Biology Initiative, which seeks to transition 30 per cent of the manufacturing industry to the bio-industry within a decade. Similarly, Singapore has built the Biopolis, a research and development hub, and Tuas Biomedical Park, a purpose-built estate for pharmaceutical and medical technology companies,” said Chua Keng Hock. A skilled workforce is another crucial driver of biomanufacturing growth in Asia. Specialised training programmes and educational initiatives are in place offering targeted courses in biotechnology and bioprocessing. Additionally, Singapore and South Korea for example emphasise a close alignment between educational programmes and industry needs through industry-academic partnerships. These partnerships offer students’ hands-on experience via internships and industry projects to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world applications in bioprocessing. To facilitate biopharma companies in navigating the market, Asia has streamlined its regulatory environment to align with international standards, significantly enhancing its appeal for biopharma investments. “Recent reforms in countries like China and India have improved the speed and transparency of drug approval processes, including accepting international clinical data and streamlining approvals. For example, China's regulatory changes have reduced the average drug approval time from 2-3 years to about 12 months, while South Korea has implemented fast-track approval processes to shorten new drug approval times. These improvements attract foreign investment, encourage domestic innovation, and ensure quicker market entry for new therapies,” said Chua Keng Hock. Strategic partnerships between government agencies and biopharma companies are forged to enhance research capabilities, develop new bioprocessing technologies, and support industry growth, to accelerate drug development and commercialisation. In May 2024, Merck signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Korea on a multi-dimensional programme aimed at advancing the research and development ecosystem in South Korea for industrial applications. Bullish on Biomanufacturing Singapore The Biomedical Sciences industry, which comprises the biopharmaceutical and medical technology sectors, is a key contributor to Singapore’s economy. In 2022, the industry accounted for 2.3 per cent of Singapore’s Gross Domestic Product and manufactured close to S$39 billion worth of products for the global market. The Singapore government has taken various initiatives to boost biomanufacturing in the country. The Biologics Pharma Innovation Programme Singapore (BioPIPS) aims to strengthen local manufacturing capabilities and transform Singapore’s biologics manufacturing facilities into agile factories of the future. It works through a consortium model consisting of leading biopharma companies and Singapore’s public sector R&D agencies and universities. BioPIPS is modelled after PIPS. “Singapore’s pro-business environment, skilled talent, strong manufacturing capabilities and thriving research ecosystem have drawn global biopharmaceutical and medical technology firms here. These companies have significant innovation, manufacturing, and commercial presence in Singapore to serve global patients,” said Chen Pengfei, Vice President, Healthcare, Singapore Economic Development Board. The bets are paying off. In recent months, Singapore has solidified its position as a key hub for biopharmaceutical manufacturing, with almost all major pharma companies establishing operations in the region. Notable developments include Pfizer's expansion of its manufacturing footprint with a new state-of-the-art facility announced on July 23, 2024. Wuxi Apptec also marked a milestone by breaking ground on a new R&D and manufacturing centre focused on active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) services for small molecules, oligonucleotides, peptides, and complex synthetic conjugates, which was reported on May 23, 2024. Besides, AstraZeneca unveiled plans for a $1.5 billion manufacturing facility dedicated to antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) on May 20, 2024. Wuxi Biologics is also investing in the region with a new Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CRDMO) centre, which will provide integrated biologics services, as announced on March 19, 2024. Novartis expanded its biopharmaceutical manufacturing site in March 2024, while AbbVie announced a $223 million investment to enhance its biologics manufacturing capacity on January 25, 2024. Hilleman Laboratories opened a $20 million facility in November 2023 to strengthen vaccine manufacturing resilience. Singapore-based Biosyngen launched a new manufacturing facility in June 2023, with plans to hire 200 employees. Additionally, a new Thermo Fisher Scientific drug facility dedicated to vaccine manufacturing opened on May 26, 2023. Takeda also contributed to Singapore’s biomanufacturing landscape by opening its first platinum positive energy building on March 30, 2023. Finally, GSK established its first high-potency manufacturing and testing facility for next-generation cancer treatments in Singapore on November 17, 2022. These developments underscore Singapore's commitment to becoming a leading destination for biopharmaceutical innovation and production. Australia Australia aims to be an RNA manufacturing hub. In 2023, the Prime Minister of Australia highlighted his role as chair of the Expert Advisory Group, which is focused on developing an RNA Sector Development Plan. This plan aims to capitalise on new investments across the country to manufacture mRNA vaccines, including the Moderna facility, and to establish a comprehensive RNA research and development ecosystem. Australia is set to become one of the few countries globally with end-to-end mRNA manufacturing capabilities, presenting a significant opportunity to advance RNA technologies for both human and animal health. The plan emphasises improving commercialisation, building necessary skills, maximising enabling infrastructure, and translating world-class research into practical applications. The Australian Government has established the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC), a $15 billion initiative aimed at supporting seven priority areas of the economy. One of the key focus areas is medical manufacturing. Government's efforts are paying off. Pfizer, Moderna, and BioNTech are all establishing mRNA manufacturing plants in Australia, underscoring the country’s growing prominence in the biotechnology sector. In addition to these significant investments, other initiatives are also taking shape. Monash University has launched Australia’s first dedicated mRNA workforce training centre with a $10 million grant, aimed at equipping professionals with the necessary skills for this emerging field. Furthermore, a new biotech research and manufacturing hub was opened at the University of Queensland, further enhancing the nation’s capabilities in mRNA technology. The University of Sydney has announced the launch of its Biomanufacturing Incubator, a cutting-edge initiative aimed at bridging the gap between biological research and industrial application. Together, these developments position Australia as a leader in biomanufacturing and mRNA innovation. Korea South Korea has initiated several strategic efforts, including ‘The Advanced Biotechnology Initiative,’ a national strategy aimed at positioning the country as a leader in the biotechnology sector by 2035. This initiative leverages South Korea’s accumulated scientific, technological, and ICT capabilities in response to the rapid growth of the global biotechnology market and intense competition for technological supremacy. Additionally, the ‘National Synthetic Biology Initiative’ has been launched to nurture synthetic biology and enhance innovative capabilities in biomanufacturing. South Korea also aims to become a global vaccine hub. The government is promoting public-private partnerships to expand vaccine production capacity to meet both current and future needs, domestically and in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To bolster this strategy, the government has partnered with international organisations, including the WHO, ADB, and IVI, by establishing training hub programmes for a global biomanufacturing workforce. Big pharma firms are taking a note. Merck has announced an investment of over €300 million in a new life science production site in Korea, signalling strong confidence in the market. Sartorius is investing substantially in expanding its activities in South Korea. The site is in South Korea’s major Biopharma hub Songdo in Incheon. India In August 2024, India launched the BioE3 Policy, a strategic framework designed to propel the country into the next era of industrialisation through high-performance biomanufacturing. This policy outlines a roadmap for making India a global biomanufacturing hub by promoting innovation in bio-based products and developing the necessary infrastructure for scale-up and commercialisation. The policy aims to empower Indian institutions, universities, startups, and industries to engage in transformative innovations by boosting domestic biomanufacturing capabilities by enabling synergy between science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing. The policy lays out plans for accelerating the transition to biomanufacturing by promoting integrated use of AI, digitalisation with ‘omics’, and upstream biotechnology innovations through bio-AI hubs, biofoundries, and biomanufacturing hubs across the country. The BioE3 Policy emphasises six thematic areas of focus, with a particular spotlight on 'Precision Biotherapeutics. The policy draws attention to biologics/biotherapies like Cell and Gene therapy, mRNA therapeutics, monoclonal antibodies, immunotherapy, as well as next-generation vaccines. Asia already has considerable biomanufacturing capabilities, driven by China and Singapore, with other countries ramping up their capacities to move toward this goal. It’s only a matter of time before the region is known as a bio-manufacturing powerhouse.

PossoBuild Launches its Game-Changing Tools, SmartHire and SmartPrep

Recruitment-tech startup PossoBuild has announced the launch of its two flagship tools – PossoBuild SmartHire and PossoBuild SmartPrep – aiming to redefine the traditional job interview process and outcomes, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to bolster human efforts. Powered by cutting-edge natural language processing and machine learning algorithms, PossoBuild’s SmartHire and SmartPrep are being seen as revolutionary platforms, poised to transform the future of talent acquisition, recruitment and job interview preparation across India and the world. Optimized for both mobile and web-based online usage, PossoBuild SmartHire and SmartPrep have been designed as essential tools for present-day organizations and job-seekers alike. The SmartHire platform augments human capabilities by introducing AI-led automation in a bid to aid organizations to hire talent faster, better, and at scale – in a much more convenient and productive manner, as compared to the entirely manual, cumbersome shortlisting and interviewing processes practiced traditionally. SmartHire does that by enabling organizations to efficiently conduct and evaluate unbiased virtual interviews leveraging AI. Meanwhile, the PossoBuild SmartPrep platform assists students with adaptive and conversational-style mock interviews simulated through AI, in a bid to help them present the best version of themselves in real interviews. Post-interview, comprehensive and detailed feedback is provided to the SmartPrep users, offering them mentor-like insights to refine their approach. Notably, both these tools offer a first-of-its-kind, intelligent conversational AI interviewing system wherein PossoBuild’s virtual interviewer agent (bot) ‘Sia’ goes beyond a predefined questionnaire, engaging the candidates in dynamic human-like conversations that adapt in real time based on their responses. Hiring the right talent is crucial for organizational success; however, current hiring approaches led by human interviewers are not only time-consuming and resource-intensive, but also incur high costs and are often flawed due to inherent human biases. This is where PossoBuild’s trusted tech-enabled conversational interviewing system comes in, enhancing efficiency and consistency in conducting job interviews, while simultaneously eliminating biases in the hiring process. Speaking at the launch, Kalyan Jata, Founder & CEO, PossoBuild Technologies, who has over two decades of extensive experience in technology and innovation, and had previously held key positions in esteemed organizations like GE and Microsoft, commented, “We strongly believe that hiring the right talent is crucial for organizational success. Which is why, it gives us immense pleasure to introduce PossoBuild’s groundbreaking flagship tools, SmartHire and SmartPrep. SmartHire, with its ability to conduct AI-simulated human-like interviews and deliver accurate hiring recommendations using AI, shall be a game changer in recruitment. On the other hand, SmartPrep will assist students in acing their job interviews by giving them access to tech-enabled mock interview practice and feedback. Going forward, we will be majorly looking to work with organizations, empowering them to solve their recruitment-related challenges comprehensively, and empowering them to build high-performing teams and drive business growth”. Uma Nelluri, Co-Founder & CTO, PossoBuild, an IIT-Madras alumna, added, “With PossoBuild SmartHire, you’re getting a human-friendly interview experience enhanced by artificial intelligence technology. The data insights provided by SmartHire enable better decision-making in the hiring process, ensuring candidates are perfectly matched as per project/job requirements. It also provides detailed feedback, thus offering a great candidate experience and enabling organizations to benefit from hiring aptly skilled individuals. Additionally, leveraging the capability of our AI virtual agent to simulate human-like interviews tailored to specific job descriptions, we at PossoBuild have built SmartPrep, a new-age interview-prep platform, which allows candidates to experience lifelike mock video interviews meant to challenge and prepare them optimally for real-world scenarios”. PossoBuild SmartHire addresses various existing challenges, such as high costs associated with complex and time-consuming interview scheduling logistics as well as ineffective shortlisting of candidates, incorrect selections, inherent hiring biases, and the organizations’ inability to scale the number of interviews in response to the volume of applications. The tool comes with an array of benefits, including not just the capability to conduct AI-enabled, on-demand video interviews at scale, but also efficient shortlisting of best-fit candidates for a specific job role based on a detailed analysis, insightful evaluations post-interview (including evaluation of technical capabilities like coding skills, etc.), and ensures unbiased and ethical hiring to propel diversity across organizations. PossoBuild has beta-tested its flagship tool SmartHire with multiple organizations across India, the US, and other countries, and thereafter received encouraging feedback and demonstrated promising results. Most of their customers are already benefiting, and Canada-based Evenica is one such company. “In the fast-paced landscape of e-commerce solutions, finding and securing top-tier talent quickly is crucial. To that end, PossoBuild SmartHire has completely transformed the way we approach our recruitment, aligning perfectly with our commitment to excellence and innovation. SmartHire’s video interview platform has enabled us to conduct scalable interviews efficiently, allowing us to meet the dynamic demands of our industry without compromising on the quality of our hires. With SmartHire, we have not only optimized our interviewing and recruitment process, but have also significantly enhanced our hiring speed, and improved our overall candidate quality,” said Sadek Ali, CEO, Evenica.

Indian Healthcare professionals to witness 100% rise in demand nationally

The healthcare sector plays a pivotal role in driving the economy, with its workforce being a crucial factor in its success. In India, the demand for healthcare professionals has been steadily increasing owing to population growth, demographic shifts, and the rise of non-communicable diseases. Currently, there are over three million registered nurses in India which means there are only 1.7 nurses per 1000 people in India. Whereas according to WHO it should be three nurses per 1000 people. Similarly, the doctor-to-patient ratio in India (approximately 1:1500) falls short of WHO (1:1000) recommendations, especially in rural areas, posing significant challenges in delivering healthcare services efficiently nationwide. Likewise, the global shortage of healthcare workers has spurred a significant increase in demand for Indian healthcare professionals, who are highly esteemed in the international market for their sought-after skills. With the largest number of medical colleges worldwide, India stands out as one of the primary exporters of healthcare workers to developed nations such as Europe, the Gulf region, the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel. Additionally, Japan and New Zealand have also emerged as new destinations for Indian nurses and doctors. NLB Services is witnessing 15% growth in demand for Indian nurses across markets like Norway, Germany, Austria, etc. From 2021 to 2023 jobs within the healthcare sector in India saw a nearly 22% increase. Bengaluru leads in the number of healthcare job opportunities followed by other major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Additionally, there's a rise in healthcare jobs from tier 2 cities like Coimbatore, Ernakulam, Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kochi. Looking at the migration aspect, Kerala stands out as a significant contributor to healthcare talent migration to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, particularly to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while Gujarat is actively enhancing nursing education and training to meet global demands. In markets like Norway, UK, and UAE, demand for Indian Healthcare professions has jumped by 12-15% in the last 2-3 years. Commenting on the current trend in the healthcare industry, Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services said, ‘India is emerging as a significant source of exportable healthcare talent, particularly for Europe and the Gulf region. To address global talent shortages, there's a growing focus on cross-skilling initiatives. This ensures Indian nurses especially are equipped with the necessary skills and qualifications to meet the specific healthcare requirements of different countries. At NLB Services, we're committed to providing comprehensive training and upskilling programs for our partners in India, US, Canada, etc. This goes beyond just clinical expertise; we also help nurses adapt to the local language of their destination country. We're seeing a surge in demand from countries like Malaysia, Italy, Portugal, Poland, and Germany. The nursing talent pool is expected to grow exponentially in the next five years, with estimates suggesting a 100-fold increase.’ Additionally, a new trend of Innovation and the adoption of advanced technologies are driving growth across various sectors globally, including healthcare. The trend has emerged with a growing demand for home healthcare, including specialized services like physiotherapy, pain management, and chronic disease care. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the uptake of home healthcare services as a means to minimize exposure and alleviate the strain on healthcare facilities. This experience has led to wider acceptance and integration of remote care solutions. Similarly, while telemedicine in India is not a new concept, the importance and necessity of telemedicine services became more evident than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. The major drivers of demand for telemedicine in India as COVID-19, societal demand, increased mobile and internet penetration, supportive government policies, advanced and emerging technologies, the role of private players, accessibility, affordability, and convenience. This space alone is expected to drive the demand for Indian Healthcare professionals by 18-20% in the next 2-3 years. ‘While we address the global demand, a recent WHO report highlights a critical domestic shortage in India as well. The nation needs at least 1.8 million additional doctors, nurses, and midwives to achieve the recommended threshold of 44.5 healthcare workers per 10,000 people by 2030. Therefore, it's imperative for the Indian education system to adapt and cater to both domestic and international demands for skilled professionals.’ added Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services.