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World’s biggest pharma companies go digital Pharmaceutical companies were late to realize the impact of digitization on transforming the healthcare system and life sciences. Now they are trying to catch up by testing new business models and experimenting with innovations. Let’s analyze the digital-oriented strategic approach at Bayer, Johnson & Johnson, Servier, Astra Zeneca, Pfizer, and Novartis. Bayer engages startups in search for innovations Back in 2013, Bayer established its flagship accelerator for startups developing digital solutions oriented to the diseases for which the company offers drugs. Bayer G4A (previously Grants4Apps) was initially supposed to provide funding
for startups working on mobile health applications. G4A has recently evolved into a global ecosystem of stakeholders working with startups and technology companies from the healthcare sector. This approach aims to create innovative digital solutions that could become a part of Bayer’s portfolio. G4A offers two
acceleration tracks: Growth Track for early to mid-stage startups and Advanced Track for companies who already have a product or solution in the market. Another accelerator is CoLaborator—young companies from the life science industry are offered laboratory infrastructure and office spaces and ac-
OSOZ Polska 5/2021
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