Will the next biotech breakthrough be digital before it’s biological with Bibi Ephraim

2025-10-28

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AI is transforming biotechnology from the inside out. What was once a world of petri dishes and pipettes is now increasingly powered by algorithms, models, and digital twins. But as machine learning accelerates drug discovery and reshapes clinical trials, how far can we go before biology itself becomes the follower, not the leader?In this episode of Tech Tomorrow, David Elliman speaks with Bibi Ephraim, Head of Digital Sciences at Genentech, about how artificial intelligence is redefining the biotech landscape. They explore how data-driven approaches are rapidly compressing timelines in...

In this episode of Tech Tomorrow, David Elliman speaks with Bibi Ephraim, Head of Digital Sciences at Genentech, about how artificial intelligence is redefining the biotech landscape. They explore how data-driven approaches are rapidly compressing timelines in drug discovery, enabling precision medicine, and even simulating virtual clinical trials.

They also tackle the cultural and organisational transformations needed to make digital biotech work; from breaking down data silos and fostering collaboration across competitors, to treating data as a product and investing in strong governance.

Drawing parallels with digital transformation in other industries, they ask what it will take for biotech to move from project-based to product-based innovation, and why pre-competitive collaboration could unlock the next generation of cures.

Episode Highlights:

01:40 – What do AI, data science, and digital governance in the biotech landscape look like today?

03:06 – Biotech and the data foundations needed for transformation.

04:52 – Examples of successful data-driven approaches in biotech.

08:10 – Will parts of the medical process be completely handed over to AI?

09:39 – David’s thoughts: The importance of sustained, iterative innovation.

11:49 – The biggest mistake Bibi sees executives make in relation to data.

13:08 – The huge issue of low-quality data.

14:59 – Data sharing is critical in this field.

19:03 – David’s thoughts: How pre-competitive collaboration benefits everyone.

21:17 – Is biotech reaching a standardisation tipping point?

24:11 – Can biotech scale digitally and effectively?

26:30 – Will the next biotech breakthrough be digital before it’s biological?

28:33 – If digitalisation expands, will researchers miss the “happy accidents” of drug discovery?

About Zühlke:
Zühlke is a global transformation partner, with engineering and innovation at its core. We help clients envision and build their businesses for the future – running smarter today while adapting for tomorrow’s markets, customers, and communities.

Our multidisciplinary teams specialise in technology strategy and business innovation, digital solutions and applications, and device and systems engineering. We thrive in complex, regulated sectors such as healthcare and finance, connecting strategy, implementation, and operations to help clients build more effective and resilient businesses.

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