AI-driven Drug Discovery, Precision Medicine To Define India’s Pharma Future: ICEXPO MD

India’s pharmaceutical industry is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in AI-driven drug discovery, precision medicine, and digital health solutions. At the forefront of this transformation is ICEXPO Consults, a leading B2B trade exhibition company that connects global stakeholders to foster innovation and collaboration. In an exclusive interaction with Bizz Buzz, Shereef Rehuman, MD of ICEXPO Consults, discusses key industry trends and how platforms like Pharma Live Expo 2025 are shaping the future.

“The post-pandemic era has accelerated the adoption of AI healthtech, biologics, and sustainability practices in pharma,” says Rehuman. He highlights how India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is strengthening domestic manufacturing and boosting global competitiveness. With digital health solutions and telemedicine on the rise, ICEXPO is enabling partnerships that drive industry-wide transformation. “Our expos serve as catalysts for business growth, ensuring companies stay ahead in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape,” he adds

India's pharma sector has emerged as the ‘pharmacy of the world.’ What are the key trends shaping the future of the Indian pharmaceutical industry, especially in the post-pandemic era?

India's pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a transformation driven by several key trends. Post-pandemic, there has been an accelerated adoption of AI-driven drug discovery, precision medicine, and digital health solutions. The industry is also witnessing increased investments in R&D, advancements in biologics, and a strong push for self-reliance through the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Sustainability and ESG compliance are becoming priorities, with companies integrating greener manufacturing processes. Additionally, the rise of personalized medicine and telehealth solutions is reshaping patient care, positioning India as a global leader in affordable, high-quality healthcare solutions.

With the rise of digital health solutions and telemedicine, how is India adapting to new-age healthcare delivery, and what role do B2B platforms play in accelerating this transition?

India is embracing digital health solutions through telemedicine, AI-powered diagnostics, and smart medical devices, making healthcare more accessible and efficient. B2B platforms like ICEXPO Consults play a crucial role in accelerating this transition by bringing together stakeholders—manufacturers, healthcare providers, and technology firms—to collaborate on new business models. Events like Pharma Live Expo 2025 highlight innovations in AI healthtech and digital healthcare, fostering partnerships that drive the widespread adoption of these technologies.

The Indian government has introduced initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to boost domestic manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. How are these policies impacting industry growth and global competitiveness?

The PLI scheme has significantly strengthened India's pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing capabilities, reducing dependence on import, and enhancing global competitiveness. By providing financial incentives, the scheme is driving investments in API production, biologics, and advanced formulations. This has not only created a robust domestic ecosystem but also positioned India as a preferred partner for global pharma supply chains. Additionally, increased government support for R&D and regulatory reforms is further propelling industry growth.

Sustainability and ESG compliance are becoming critical in the pharma and healthcare sectors. How can Indian companies integrate sustainable practices while maintaining cost-effectiveness and regulatory compliance?

Indian pharma companies are increasingly adopting sustainable practices through green chemistry, eco-friendly packaging, and energy-efficient manufacturing. Regulatory bodies are also encouraging responsible production methods. Companies can maintain cost-effectiveness by leveraging digital tools for process optimization and adopting circular economy principles. Platforms like Pharma Live Expo 2025 facilitate discussions on sustainable innovations, helping businesses align their ESG goals with industry best practices.

The demand for personalized medicine and biologics is increasing globally. How well-positioned is India to cater to this demand, and what challenges need to be addressed for large-scale adoption?

India is emerging as a key player in biologics and personalized medicine due to its strong R&D capabilities and cost-effective manufacturing. However, challenges such as high development costs, regulatory complexities, and the need for specialized infrastructure must be addressed. Increased investment in biotech research, policy support, and global collaborations will be crucial for scaling up these innovations. Events like Pharma Live Expo 2025 provide a platform to showcase India's advancements and explore solutions for industry-wide adoption.

ICEXPO Consults has been a key player in the B2B trade exhibition space since 1994. What inspired you to establish the company, and how has its journey evolved over the years?

ICEXPO Consults was founded with the vision of creating high-impact B2B trade expos that foster business growth and global collaboration. Over the years, we have expanded our footprint across multiple industries, including pharma, healthcare, and medtech. Our journey has been defined by a commitment to delivering value-driven platforms that connect industry leaders, promote innovation, and facilitate meaningful partnerships. With each edition of Pharma Live Expo, we continue to evolve, ensuring that our events remain at the forefront of industry transformation.

How do your expos help shape the future of the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries?

The expos serve as catalysts for innovation and collaboration. By bringing together global stakeholders, decision-makers, and innovators, we create an ecosystem that drives knowledge-sharing and business expansion. Pharma Live Expo 2025, for instance, will spotlight advancements in AI healthtech, medtech, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, ensuring that attendees gain insights into the latest industry trends and emerging technologies.

With healthcare and medtech evolving rapidly, how does ICEXPO ensure that its events remain at the forefront of industry trends, showcasing cutting-edge innovations and fostering meaningful collaborations?

ICEXPO stays ahead by curating specialized content, collaborating with industry experts, and continuously integrating emerging trends into our events. Our sector-focused approach at Pharma Live Expo 2025 ensures that each domain—pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and AI healthtech—receives tailored discussions and showcases. We also facilitate high-level networking and knowledge exchange through panel discussions, workshops, and live demonstrations.

How does ICEXPO facilitate international partnerships and drive cross-border collaborations in industries like healthcare and pharma?

We leverage our strong global network, industry associations, and strategic partnerships to foster cross-border collaborations. Pharma Live Expo 2025 will feature delegations from over 20 countries, facilitating global business development and networking. By providing platforms for direct engagement with international buyers, suppliers, and investors, we enable businesses to expand their reach and explore new market opportunities.

Innovation is a key differentiator in sectors like healthcare, pharma, and medtech. How does ICEXPO play a role in accelerating innovation and bridging the gap between startups, investors, and industry leaders?

ICEXPO bridges this gap by hosting industry-focused expos that showcase startups, cutting-edge research, and breakthrough technologies. Pharma Live Expo 2025 will include dedicated spaces for startups to connect with investors and industry leaders, fostering collaborations that drive innovation and commercialization.

What unique opportunities do you see in the Indian market, particularly in healthcare and pharma, and how do you plan to capitalize on them?

India’s healthcare and pharma sectors offer immense opportunities in AI-driven diagnostics, precision medicine, and digital therapeutics. With increasing government support and industry innovation, the market is primed for growth. ICEXPO aims to capitalize on these opportunities by curating events like Pharma Live Expo 2025, which will serve as a hub for knowledge-sharing and business expansion.

As a leader in the global trade exhibition space, what advice would you give to businesses looking to maximize their participation in international expos and networking events?

To maximize participation, businesses should focus on strategic networking, leveraging expos to forge meaningful connections and partnerships. Engaging actively in panel discussions, showcasing innovations effectively, and staying updated on industry trends can significantly enhance visibility. Additionally, businesses should approach expos with clear objectives and a well-defined follow-up strategy to convert leads into long-term opportunities.