UK Knowledge Quarter welcomes Boehringer Ingelheim AI accelerator
Boehringer Ingelheim has announced it is expanding its global Computational Innovation footprint with a new centre dedicated to AI and machine learning (ML) in King’s Cross, London, UK – part of the Knowledge Quarter ecosystem.
Boehringer’s new presence is to be situated at the heart of the country’s AI and life sciences innovation – providing access to world-class talent across academia, technology, and research ecosystems – and confirm’s the company’s ambition to advance AI for pharmaceutical research and development to further disease understanding in areas of high unmet medical need.
1885-founded Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in research and development, the company especially focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need.
The anticipated £150 million investment over 10 years forms part of Boehringer’s commitments in AI across R&D, with the first 50 AI experts to be in place by the end of 2027. With this latest investment, Computational Innovation will now have a location in the UK in addition to Austria, Germany, and the US, specialising in AI, machine learning, human genetics, and computational biology.
Nicola Richmond, head of AI and machine learning at Boehringer Ingelheim, commented: "Building foundational AI capabilities that allow us to better understand the biology of disease takes data, talent, and trusted partnerships. The UK’s rich biomedical data landscape, life sciences expertise, and technological know-how provides the perfect environment to do exactly that."
It was a sentiment seconded by Jan Nygaard Jensen, Boehringer’s global head of Computational Innovation. “London's concentration of AI talent, scientific ambition, and openness to collaboration is exceptional,” said Jensen, adding: “Our commitment is to build on this foundation and extend Boehringer Ingelheim's Computational Innovation capabilities across our global network, getting closer to understanding the root cause of disease, faster.”
Meanwhile, Boehringer’s country managing director and head of human pharma UK & Ireland, Maria Tereno, stated: “The UK is an important part of Boehringer Ingelheim’s long term strategy. By supporting national ambitions for life sciences, AI, and the use of health data, we aim to contribute to an environment in which innovation can deliver benefits for patients and the NHS.”
Indeed, the importance of this investment is being recognised at an event today attended by Government Ministers and representatives from academic and professional institutions, as well as technology and AI companies from within London’s Knowledge Quarter.
Commenting on the investment, UK Science Minister, Lord Patrick Vallance, said: “AI is unlocking opportunities to advance discovery in life sciences like never before and Boehringer’s decision to open its new hub in King’s Cross will ensure they can both access and contribute to a flourishing base for innovation in London. This hugely welcome investment by a global life sciences company will power our efforts to tackle diseases while opening up new highly skilled jobs that boost our economy.”
Paola Casarosa, global head, innovation unit and member of the Board of Managing Directors, at Boehringer Ingelheim, noted: “The UK has a strong legacy in AI, and the government’s continued commitment to advancing data-driven innovation in life sciences and healthcare makes it an ideal location. Establishing a presence in London allows us to leverage the UK’s rich data resources and infrastructure, while connecting with world‑class talent across academia, biotechnology, and AI ecosystems to enable innovation for patient benefit.”
Earlier this month, pharmaphorum also reported on Boehringer Ingelheim’s amendment of its partnership with Click Therapeutics on digital therapeutic (DTx) CT-155 for schizophrenia, transferring commercial rights to the programme to the digital health specialist.
