German drugmaker launches AI research centre in London

GLOBAL pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim is establishing its flagship AI and machine learning research centre in London.

The new facility, based in the Knowledge Quarter at King’s Cross, will focus on applying artificial intelligence to human biology, supporting the development of targeted therapies.

The centre will explore how AI and machine learning can accelerate drug discovery by identifying and modelling specific biological processes in the body.

Paola Casarosa, global head of the company’s Innovation Unit, said: “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.”

Global AI footprint

Boehringer Ingelheim already operates several AI-focused research and development sites in Austria, Germany and the US.

Its site in Connecticut uses AI tools to develop treatments for inflammatory diseases, oncology and cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases, while its Vienna hub serves as a centre for computational biology and data science in oncology.

AI in the UK

The company said its decision to expand in the UK reflects strong recent investment in life sciences and AI.

The UK government has committed £600m (US$813m) to the life sciences sector this year, alongside £3.37bn in private investment in 2025. Earlier this month, it set up a £500m Sovereign AI fund, which has the initial interest in investing in AI start-ups focused on drug discovery.

Lord Vallance, the UK science minister, 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.”