Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio협회 and Canada discuss AI drug discovery cooperation

The Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association (KPBMA) held a meeting in Seoul with a Canadian delegation, led by Philip Jennings, Vice-Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, to discuss expanding cooperation in AI-driven drug discovery and Self-Driving Laboratories (SDL).

The discussions focused on sharing achievements in AI drug development and exploring future possibilities for joint research, technical exchange, and professional talent cultivation. During the meeting, Pyung-hee Pyo, Director of the AI Drug Discovery Research Institute, introduced Korea’s first SDL, a next-generation research infrastructure that automates the entire research process—from experimental design to execution and analysis—by combining AI with robotic automation technology.

Participants discussed expanding industrial cooperation and conducted a tour of the SDL facility. KPBMA Chairman Noh Yeon-hong noted that combining Canada’s AI research capabilities with Korea’s pharmaceutical industry foundation could create significant synergy, while Vice-Minister Jennings identified Korea as a reliable partner for seeking new growth opportunities.