On November 18-19, 2024 the pharmaceutical industry leaders met at the AUTOMA+ Congress to discuss the pathways to successful digital transformation and make new business connections. This year the Congress was supported by the renowned partners: Novo Nordisk, PharmaLedger Association, ALMIRALL, Merck KGaA Darmstadt Germany and ESTEVE, which helped to create a productive atmosphere for networking and knowledge sharing.

The Pharmaceutical Automation and Digitalisation Congress gathered 290 delegates from 145 leading companies in atmospheric Zurich for two days of productive sessions, exclusive insights and valuable professional contacts. Among the top players attending the Congress were Innowise (Principal Sponsor), Schneider Electric (Diamond Sponsor) and more.

“I like the networking elements, I like the fact that you will meet experts that are driving similar processes or changes in other companies. The opportunity to have face-to-face discussions is extremely helpful”, - Liv Trolle, Director, Head of Global Customer Engagement Excellence at Lundbeck A/S.

AUTOMA+ 2024 Business Programme: on the Way to Automation, Digitalisation and Development

With 63 expert speakers, taking part in 8 sessions and 3 roundtables at AUTOMA+ 2024, the extensive business programme showcased groundbreaking innovations that are going to redefine the future of the pharmaceutical sector.

Delegates and speakers exchanged opinions on such essential topics as developing a roadmap for the digital transformation journey and overcoming its possible challenges, artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics, data collection and management, digitalised manufacturing, patient engagement, sustainable practices and many others. The session halls became powerful platforms for discussions and productive debates.

“I was a speaker and I really liked the format because I was able not only to present my viewpoint, but at the same time listen to the viewpoints of other speakers and participants. The Q&A part at the end allowed us to interact with the audience and with each other. I enjoyed that”, - Nandan Kulkarni, Head, Diagnostics and Medical Technologies at Cipla Ltd.

Focus Exhibition: Spotlight on Breakthrough Innovations

The AUTOMA+ 2024 Focus Exhibition became a hub of engaging activities. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the latest technologies, such as AI, robotics, software, packaging solutions and laboratory automation. 40+ exhibitors, including Bizzmine, GRITEC AG, AmpleLogic, Merck KGaA Darmstadt Germany and Helbling Technik Bern AG, demonstrated their innovations and explained how they are helping to advance the pharmaceutical industry.

AUTOMA+ Gala Dinner: A Night to Remember

This year, the traditional AUTOMA+ Gala Dinner took place in the picturesque setting of Landgasthof Halbinsel Au, providing not only a delicious meal, but also a stunning view on lake Zurich. Its unique charm, coupled with jazz music, house wines and a relaxed ambiance, enhanced the networking process and created a truly remarkable experience.

Live entertainment at the Dinner maintained a high energy level throughout the evening, fostering countless opportunities for connections and the lottery with coveted prizes and exciting gifts from the BGS team and AUTOMA+ main sponsors added a touch of excitement and fun. Congratulations to all the lucky winners of the Gala Dinner Lottery!

Networking never stops

One of the standout features and main goals of AUTOMA+ is forging connections and promoting productive networking. For two days, delegates engaged in continuous communication, seizing every chance to exchange business cards: in the session halls, at the Focus Exhibition and Coffee Break Zone, in the B2B area, during the Gala dinner. The event facilitated 195 business meetings that are expected to lead to beneficial collaborations and innovations. Many thanks to our VIP meeting room Sponsor - Robotec Solutions AG and Coffee break Sponsor - KEN HYGIENE SYSTEMS A/S for the engagement in creating a comfortable and friendly atmosphere allowing professionals to connect, share ideas and forge partnerships.

“I think the way AUTOMA+ is organised is really good because it gives the opportunity for networking with a lot of people in the pharma industry that are looking at the digital transformation. I think it gives a broad spectrum of what the pharmaceutical industry actually is and I’ve learned a lot by participating”, - Louise Lind Skov, Head of Content Digitalisation at Novo Nordisk.

Ride the Digital Wave: Join Us at AUTOMA+ 2025

As the AUTOMA+ 2024 drew to a close, it left participants with a sense of optimism and purpose. The event not only highlighted the current state of the pharmaceutical sector, but also charted a path forward, driven by successful digital transformation.

AUTOMA+ 2024 has undoubtedly set a high standard for future events. We want to extend our sincere thanks to the sponsors, partners and delegates who helped us to prove once again - when industry professionals come together, the possibilities for development and advancements are limitless.

“We all recognise how important the pharmaceutical sector is for public health, and it’s clear that embracing automation and digital technologies is key for innovations, improving efficiency and making the industry better for everyone. I encourage you to continue the conversations that we have started here, share  insights with your colleagues and peers and work together to transform the pharmaceutical landscape. Here, at AUTOMA+, we can make a real difference”, - Yuliya Glazyrina, AUTOMA+ 2024 Project Director.

We're happy to announce that the preparation for AUTOMA+ 2025 is already in progress! Mark your calendars for the Pharmaceutical Automation and Digitalisation Congress 2025,  taking place on 24-25 November in ​​Vösendorf, Austria. The registration is already open: learn more