Artificial intelligence is reshaping life sciences, but most AI investments in pharma labs are missing where real value is created. In this Lab of the Future 2026 keynote session, Marc Smith, Value Stream Director at IDBS, highlights the industry’s tendency to prioritise custom AI models and makes the case for a different competitive advantage: the operational data foundation. 

Drawing on first-hand lab experience and real-world examples, Marc explains why nearly 90 percent of scientists – those actually working in operational and regulated labs – need AI that helps them run experiments on time, manage equipment and inventory, and reduce daily friction. Rather than asking AI to discover the next breakthrough, the more practical question becomes: Can I actually run this assay on Tuesday? 

In this session, Marc explores how moving from experiment-centric systems to enterprise-wide operational intelligence unlocks real return on investment. By unifying scientific and operational data, including inventory status, equipment availability, work demand, and experiment durations, labs gain the context AI needs to deliver practical and trustworthy answers in real time. The result is better planning, fewer bottlenecks, improved compliance, and a significantly better day-to-day experience for both lab managers and scientists.

Watch the session to see how trusted data enables AI to deliver practical value across lab operations.* 

* The following presentation is intended to outline IDBS’ general product direction. It is intended for information purposes only and is not a commitment by IDBS to deliver any material, code or functionality. ​​Content of this presentation should not be relied on to make purchasing decisions, and it may not be incorporated into any contract. The development and timing of release of product functionality remains at the sole discretion of IDBS.​