Generative AI in R&D: Driving Innovation Across the UK and European Markets

Standing at the intersection of innovation and opportunity, there is a fundamental shift in how European businesses approach R&D. By 2025, generative AI could cut drug discovery timelines by up to 70%, saving lives and billions in costs¹. The traditional pathways to innovation—where drug development consumes a decade and billions in investment—simply can't keep pace with today's market demands. 

We're at a turning point where generative AI isn't just an option—it's the catalyst that will redefine the UK and Europe's innovation landscape.

The World Economic Forum's Davos 2025 theme, "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age," perfectly aligns with this vision. As global leaders converge to address our era's defining challenges, the message is clear: unite technological innovation with cross-industry collaboration. 

The goal is transformative growth that benefits both business and society.

At Tech Mahindra, we're not just embracing this transformative vision but actively contributing to it. Our approach emphasizes the intelligent integration of AI to solve complex challenges, drive sustainable growth, and empower businesses to thrive in a connected, intelligent future. Our commitment empowers European businesses to scale innovation at unprecedented speed while maintaining the rigorous standards that the region is known for.

How We're Reshaping R&D in Automotive, Manufacturing, and Pharma

Drug development in the UK and Europe often takes over 10 years and $2.6 billion, with just 12% of drugs succeeding².³. Generative AI is transforming this costly process with unprecedented speed and precision.

In pharmaceuticals, we've revolutionized the traditional decade-long development cycle. By implementing our AI solutions, UK pharmaceutical companies decode rare disease pathways in months rather than years—significantly reducing development time. This means patients with aggressive or rare diseases can access life-saving treatments years earlier than possible. 

In other words, generative AI accelerates innovation and strengthens Europe’s position as a global healthcare leader, delivering life-saving therapies faster and more affordably.

The automotive sector tells an equally compelling story. Germany and France, home to iconic automotive brands, use generative AI to redefine innovation. Traditional prototyping, which takes months and significant resources, is being replaced by virtual testing. AI-driven simulations cut prototyping costs and design cycles, optimizing aerodynamics and energy efficiency⁴.

Having worked extensively with German manufacturers, we have seen how our AI-driven simulations complete 700+ stress tests in weeks—work that once took six months. This transformation enables faster innovation while building smarter, safer vehicles that the European automakers are renowned for.

When it comes to the manufacturing industry, for European manufacturers, it’s not just about meeting regulations—it’s about leaving a lasting legacy. Our work with aerospace leaders is a testament to the synergy of innovation, profitability, and sustainability. Our AI solutions have remarkably cut carbon emissions while saving millions in costs. This is the future of manufacturing, where every decision optimizes business and environmental impact.

Tech Mahindra's Vision for the Intelligent Age

The challenges facing European R&D are complex:

• Time pressures that demand faster innovation cycles
• Cost barriers that limit the experimental scope
• Sustainability imperatives that require new thinking
• Data privacy requirements that can't be compromised
• Ethical considerations that must guide development
• Complex regulatory frameworks that need navigation

Strong public–private partnerships are key to fostering responsible AI practices. Governments provide funding, policy frameworks, and oversight, while businesses drive innovation and implementation. Programs like the European Commission’s Horizon Europe bring diverse stakeholders together, accelerating AI advancements in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and manufacturing to benefit both businesses and consumers⁵.

So, how can generative AI become a cornerstone of innovation while safeguarding our future?

Scaling through these challenges for the UK and European markets demands a partner who understands the technical landscape and the region’s unique regulatory environment. This is where Tech Mahindra's "Scale at Speed with Trust" approach becomes pivotal, enabling organizations to maximize human capital and technological resources while ensuring robust security and compliance.

Fundamental Shifts That Will Define Europe's R&D Future

First, the democratization of innovation: Our solutions are making advanced R&D capabilities accessible to organizations of all sizes, fostering a more competitive and dynamic market. This means more diverse solutions to societal challenges, from healthcare to climate change.

Second, sustainability by design: We're helping businesses embed environmental considerations into every stage of their R&D process, turning sustainability from a constraint into a catalyst for innovation. 

The result? Products and processes that benefit both businesses and the planet.

Third, collaborative innovation ecosystems: Through our partnerships, we're breaking down silos and enabling the cross-pollination of ideas that drives breakthrough innovations. When organizations collaborate effectively, solutions emerge faster, and the impact is greater.

For European organizations, the message is clear. Integrating generative AI into R&D isn't just about staying competitive—it's about leading in an age where innovation, sustainability, and compliance must work in harmony. Apart from being a technology provider, Tech Mahindra are your partner in building resilient, future-ready organizations that deliver meaningful experiences to every stakeholder—from employees to end consumers.

As WEF Davos 2025 approaches, Europe’s legacy of innovation excellence stands poised to define the next chapter of global technological advancement. The future will belong to those who harness the power of generative AI while upholding the values and standards that make European innovation distinct. By aligning technology with human needs, we can ensure that innovation serves business goals and the greater good—a true measure of success.