Scientific AI

We create and deploy artificial intelligence (AI) methods to accelerate innovation and unlock value in research and development across industries
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Scientific AI supports organizations in delivering the potential of data, analytics, and AI across the full R&D value chain.

We are a multidisciplinary team of scientific experts and AI technologists, applying a combination of proprietary methodologies, open-source tools, and the latest developments in foundation models, machine learning, and causal inference to scientific discovery and development workflows. We are helping global R&D teams power the next generation of groundbreaking products such as new drugs, materials, chemicals, and more with transformative outcomes.

We develop and deploy AI to accelerate innovation

Integration of AI into R&D processes can boost productivity, increase likelihood of success, speed up timelines, and in the process rewire the organization through new technological and organizational capabilities.

Podcast

Eureka Podcast

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Bayer’s Sai Jasti on driving productivity in R&D with data science and AI

Sai Jasti, Bayer’s senior vice president and head of data science and AI, on how the company is transforming its workflows and embedding AI in research and development to meet ambitious productivity goals.

Related insights

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Life Sciences
Revolutionizing life sciences R&D with AI from target discovery to molecule design to clinical trial design.
Chemicals & Agriculture
Accelerating materials and formulation innovation through AI-driven molecular discovery and closed-loop research.
Advanced Industries
Transforming product and process engineering with AI-powered simulation and optimization.

Featured insights

The potential for AI to change cancer drug discovery and development
Video

The potential for AI to change cancer drug discovery and development

The impending AI-driven life science revolution promises to transform human health and well-being.
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Article
From linear gates to learning loops: Rewiring biopharma R&D with AI
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An AI-powered R&D model built on connected decision loops—replacing the current sequential, fragmented workflow—can reduce uncertainty, compress timelines, and accelerate medicines to market.
Blue DNA chain with luminous glowing particles around it
Blog Post
How new approach methodologies are reshaping drug discovery
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Driven by ethics, scientific breakthroughs, and new regulatory guidance, the pharmaceutical industry is moving away from animal testing toward faster, more accurate, and less costly techniques.
Two transparent pill capsules filled with a glowing blue network of interconnected nodes. They rest on a dark surface with a grid pattern, enhancing the high-tech feel.
Article
Faster, smarter trials: Modernizing biopharma’s R&D IT applications
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To fully realize the potential of AI and digital, biopharma sponsors need a structured approach to upgrading tech infrastructure for efficient data capture and trial management.
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McKinsey Direct
On the brink of a revolution? Engineering simulation in the age of AI
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The adoption of advanced simulation tools is accelerating in the automotive sector, but some tasks risk getting stuck in the slow lane.
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Blog Post
Scientific AI: Unlocking the next frontier of R&D productivity
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New approaches to artificial intelligence can accelerate laboratory research to drive a new era of scientific discovery and development.
Molecule, artwork
Article
How AI enables new possibilities in chemicals
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From molecule and materials discovery to new applications and customer acquisition, AI can create opportunities across a range of promising new use cases in chemicals.
McKinsey’s industry AI products deliver value across a wide range of use cases
Blog Post
McKinsey’s industry AI products deliver value across a wide range of use cases
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McKinsey’s suite of products integrate cutting-edge AI and enterprise-level technology with demonstrable industry experience.
Futuristic microchip and digital data flowing. Merging technology and ecology
Article
From bytes to bushels: How gen AI can shape the future of agriculture
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Complementing analytical AI with generative AI can create new value on and off the acre. A number of exciting use cases show how the industry can evolve.
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Report
Generative AI in the pharmaceutical industry: Moving from hype to reality
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The technology could offer pharma companies a once-in-a-century opportunity—but only if they learn to scale it and address the industry’s unique challenges.
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Article
How artificial intelligence can power clinical development
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Artificial intelligence is accelerating drug discovery. If clinical development fails to keep pace, the benefits to patients will be delayed.
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Article
Rewired pharma companies will win in the digital age
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Despite progress, most pharma companies have not fully rewired their tech, tools, and operating models to realize their digital and analytics ambitions. Five actions can help them achieve scale.
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Article
Deep learning in product design
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A revolutionary approach is transforming the way companies approach tough engineering optimization challenges.

Featured experts

Jennifer Hou
Senior Asset LeaderBoston
Team director for Scientific AI, scaling life sciences capabilities across domains; Harvard University PhD in physics
Daniela Nuscheler
PartnerBerlin
Agriculture and Specialty Chemicals lead advancing productivity and sustainability in food and health; TU Dortmund University PhD in finance
Alex Peluffo
Associate PartnerParis
Scientific AI lead for target identification and discovery; former biotech target identification leader; Université Paris Cité PhD in statistical genetics
Erika Stanzl
PartnerZurich
Helps biopharmaceutical companies define strategies in R&D and implement advances in scientific analytics, including through applications of AI and machine learning
Xin Wang
Senior FellowBay Area - San Francisco
End-to-end life sciences research and development AI transformation expert driving strategy and lab innovation; Princeton PhD in molecular biology

OUR ECOSYSTEM

Abstract image of a blue sphere and orbital paths
Blog post
McKinsey and Microsoft join forces to accelerate decarbonization transformations
Companies are working to meet ambitious net-zero targets. But they haven’t had the right technology to help them achieve these targets quickly and at scale—until now.
Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine logo
CCAIM Announces Strategic Collaboration with McKinsey & Company to Accelerate AI-Driven Innovation in Life Sciences and Healthcare
The Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine (CCAIM) is pleased to announce a strategic collaboration with McKinsey & Company, and its artificial intelligence (AI) arm, QuantumBlack, aimed at accelerating the development and implementation of cutting-edge AI solutions in the life sciences.
semiconductor chip
Blog post
McKinsey joins MIT Generative AI Impact Consortium as consulting advisors
The Consortium is a collaboration between industry leaders and MIT’s top thinkers and was founded to ensure that the transformative potential of generative AI benefits businesses, individuals, and society as a whole.

Accelerate your innovation with Scientific AI

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