Ireland’s Life Sciences Sector at 'Inflection Point' as Landmark GenAI Playbook Launches

Many life sciences firms are stuck in 'proof-of-AI-concept purgatory', a new industry guide has found. The Generative AI for Life Sciences Playbook 2025, launched today by BioPharmaChem Ireland (BPCI), Connected Health Skillnet with lead authors Brightbeam, provides a roadmap to break the deadlock and help the sector adopt generative AI responsibly and at scale.

The playbook was unveiled at the Biopharmachem GenAI Digital Forum, which brought together thought leaders in digital transformation, regulators, policy experts, skills specialists and the IDA to discuss how AI adoption can safeguard the sector’s competitiveness. The event featured a keynote address from Deputy James Geoghegan, Vice Chair of the Oireachtas AI Committee.

Sinead Keogh, Director of BioPharmaChem Ireland, said:
“Ireland is a global hub for biopharmaceutical manufacturing and services, but the sector faces an inflection point. GenAI represents a generational opportunity with AI projected to add at least €250 billion to Ireland’s GDP by 2035. Companies that delay adoption face accelerating competitive disadvantages.

As the sector navigates mounting pressures including cost efficiency, sustainability, supply chain resilience and accelerated R&D, AI adoption has become a strategic imperative. Our most recent BioPharmaChem Ireland Manufacturing Report indicates that Digitalisation and the use of AI is a key priority for the sector, with 8 in 10 companies planning to invest in digitalisation initiatives. Our GenAI Digital Forum creates a platform for open, practical discussions on how to balance innovation with compliance while positioning Ireland as a leader in the ethical, regulated application of AI.”

Brian Hanly, CEO of Brightbeam, said:
“Generative AI is a generational opportunity but many companies are stuck in 'proof-of-concept purgatory'. They are running experiments that don’t always scale into real value. This collaborative playbook, on which we were the lead authors, is the antidote. It provides a clear, GxP-compliant roadmap to move from ambition to adoption. Brightbeam's purpose is to protect Ireland’s life sciences leadership by turning that ambition into measurable gains in productivity, sustainability and patient access to medicines.”

Jennifer McCormack, Connected Health Skillnet Network Manager, added:
“We would like to thank those who participated in the programme and contributed to the playbook. The insights captured are grounded in real world experience and collaboration. They highlight not only what is possible with GenAI, but also how important it is to build the capability needed to harness it within the Irish life sciences ecosystem.”

The playbook identifies clear, high-value opportunities including:

• Unlocking thousands of hours in manufacturing by automating documentation and accelerating quality processes.
• Accelerating Product Development by cutting the administrative load on scientists, which currently consumes up to 70% of their time.
• Driving Sustainability by using AI simulations to optimise energy use and automate complex compliance reporting.
• Building resilient Supply Chains by replacing manual, spreadsheet-driven processes with predictive, data-driven models.
• Transforming Global Business Services from a cost centre into a source of exponential value creation.

As part of their work in supporting industry in the digital transition, BioPharmaChem Ireland is encouraging Government to support the sector’s adoption of AI in the forthcoming National Digital and AI Strategy. In particular, the trade association is calling for:

• Coherent and resourced regulatory capacity to enable EU AI Act transposition. The establishment of an AI Regulatory Sandbox with the HPRA and active engagement with international partners to co-develop global standards to position Ireland as a leader in responsible and innovative AI.
• National spending focus on the deployment of renewable energy and storage, grid modernisation, and targeted supports for a sustainable and resilient energy system, while maintaining strategic investment in high-speed broadband, cloud infrastructure, and secure data networks to enable virtual and globally integrated operations.
• A system-wide approach to digital skills, research and innovation, and talent development by expanding access to innovation supports, streamlining work permits, and leveraging European Digital Innovation Hubs and SME–large enterprise collaboration to strengthen national competitiveness.

About BioPharmaChem Ireland

BioPharmaChem Ireland represents the biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing sectors in Ireland. With over 150 companies operating nationwide, the sector directly employs 50,000 people and an additional 9,000 in services. It is a cornerstone of the Irish economy, generating €116 billion in exports annually, with more than €10 billion invested in the past decade. The sector is projected to add a further 21,000 jobs by 2027.

About Brightbeam

Brightbeam integrates digital intelligence into enterprise organisations. Their mission is to the most helpful services company in the world. They provide end-to-end support through four core service pillars: focus, build, embed and invent.

About Connected Health Skillnet

Connected Health Skillnet is co-funded by Skillnet Ireland and network companies. The Connected Health Skillnet is an enterprise led, learning and development network established in 2017 specifically to address the current and future skills needs arising from the convergence of the medtech, pharma, ICT and software sectors in the dynamic field of digital health.

Download report here