Hyderabad Emerges as a Powerhouse of AI Innovation: Transforming Global Healthcare at BioAsia 2026!
A panel discussion on “Building Innovation-First GCCs: AI, R&D & Digital Transformation” highlighted Hyderabad’s growing stature as a hub for artificial intelligence-driven capabilities, particularly within the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors. This engaging discussion took place at BioAsia 2026 on February 18, 2026, featuring prominent executives from various multinational corporations.
Hyderabad is becoming increasingly vital for global firms developing digital, research, and decision-making platforms. Gail Horwood, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at Novartis, USA, emphasized the company’s commitment to establishing modern, AI-enabled marketing capabilities in Hyderabad. This initiative aims to support Novartis’ entire U.S. marketing organization. “The GCC serves as an integrated extension of our global teams,” Horwood explained, noting that the tools developed will leverage behavioral science across various physical, digital, and AI-driven touchpoints, including advanced large language models.
The panelists also underscored Hyderabad’s pivotal role in creating foundational AI and decision-support systems. Purav Gandhi, Founder and CEO of Healthark, commented on the evolution of capabilities in the city, focusing on empowering teams to make informed decisions rather than relying solely on pre-configured digital prototypes from outdated ecosystems. He asserted that such developments enable a more agile and responsive decision-making process.
Sanjay Patel, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Innovation Capability Solutions and Services at Takeda, Switzerland, discussed India’s position as a central hub for innovation within the company’s global network. He observed that the work emerging from GCCs is increasingly integrated across various functions such as research, quality management, and professional support. “What we are observing is a transformative shift from cost-centric models to robust innovation engines,” Patel noted.
Som Chattopadhyay, Senior Vice President of Global Business Solutions at Amgen, USA, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the unprecedented pace of growth experienced by GCCs in recent years. He mentioned that current business demands drive a rapid expansion unlike the incremental growth phases of earlier offshoring ventures.
Syed Naveed, Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer at Olympus Corporation, Japan, identified India as a cornerstone of the company’s global digital and R&D strategies. He emphasized the need for ongoing efforts and cultural shifts in innovation-led GCCs, asserting that true transformation is a continuous journey rather than a one-time event.
Badhri Srinivasan, Group Chief Executive Officer of Unilabs, Switzerland, observed a significant trend where organizations increasingly regard AI as a strategic capability. “Secure environments are being fostered for teams to test AI technologies, especially in regulated healthcare environments,” he remarked. Srinivasan acknowledged Hyderabad’s crucial role in building these foundational innovations.
As Hyderabad continues to solidify its position in the global landscape, the insights shared during this panel discussion illustrate the city’s transformative potential in AI, R&D, and digital innovation. The collaborative efforts of multinational companies in developing advanced technological solutions signify a new era of innovation that stands to reshape the industry and enhance decision-making processes across various platforms.
Published – February 18, 2026, 05:15 PM IST
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/hyderabads-rise-as-ai-innovation-hub-for-global-healthcare-companies-highlighted-at-bioasia-2026/article70646760.ece
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Publish Date: 2026-02-18 17:15:00
