The global life sciences industry is entering a new phase of digital transformation, moving beyond isolated technology experiments towards enterprise-wide adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and data-driven operations, according to KPMG International’s Global Tech Report 2026: Life Sciences.

The report paints a picture of a sector balancing innovation with caution, as organisations navigate increasing scientific complexity, evolving regulatory requirements, and growing pressure to deliver measurable returns on technology investments. Rather than pursuing disruptive change at any cost, life sciences companies are focusing on stability, compliance, and operational efficiency while scaling digital capabilities across their businesses.

Based on insights from 124 technology leaders representing pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and contract research organisations (CROs) worldwide, the report offers a focused view of technology adoption trends, investment priorities, and value realisation across the sector.

For India’s life sciences industry, the findings hold particular significance. Indian pharmaceutical and healthcare companies are facing rising expectations to accelerate innovation in areas such as precision medicine, clinical development, and patient-centric care while maintaining regulatory compliance and cost competitiveness.

As a result, organisations are increasingly embedding digital technologies across research, manufacturing, supply chain, and commercial functions.

One of the report’s most notable findings is the growing role of artificial intelligence within life sciences organisations. Nearly 87 per cent of respondents reported integrating AI agents into workflows, products, and services, while 48 per cent indicated that AI is now being strategically embedded into core business functions rather than remaining limited to pilot projects.

At the same time, cybersecurity, AI and automation, and data and analytics have emerged as the top technology investment priorities. More than one-third of respondents indicated plans to increase spending by over 10 per cent in these areas, underscoring their strategic importance in future growth plans.

The challenge, however, lies in scaling innovation effectively. Nearly 44 per cent of organisations cited limited maturity in funding, supporting, and expanding AI initiatives as a major obstacle to enterprise-wide deployment. Many companies continue to face foundational issues related to data quality, governance frameworks, cloud infrastructure, and change management.

Vijay Chawla, Partner and Chief Operating Officer – Consulting and Head – Life Sciences at KPMG in India, said the report signals a critical shift in how life sciences companies approach digital transformation.

“For India, these findings signal a clear shift from pilots to scale, where success will hinge on strengthening data and cloud foundations, backing fewer high-impact bets, and converting AI adoption into measurable, enterprise-wide value,” he added.