May 2025 • PharmaTimes Magazine • 7
// COLLABORATIONS //
SkyCell has partnered with Microsoft to launch SkyMind, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solution designed to enhance pharmaceutical supply chains by improving efficiency, compliance and decision-making.
Powered by Azure OpenAI Service and integrated directly into Microsoft Teams and Copilot, SkyMind marks a step forward in the digitalisation of pharma logistics – an industry that faces significant challenges from shipment disruptions and inefficiencies. According to SkyCell, more than $35bn worth of pharma products are lost annually due to temperature excursions, delays and a lack of actionable insights.
At the core of SkyMind is K.AI (Knowledge AI), a chatbot assistant built on Azure AI Foundry. K.AI provides real-time insights by monitoring shipments, flagging potential risks and suggesting proactive solutions – all within Microsoft Teams. By ensuring critical supply chain data is always accessible and actionable, the technology reduces delays, mitigates product waste and strengthens overall resilience.
“Our collaboration with Microsoft ensures that pharma companies and supply chain teams can leverage SkyMind’s power directly within Microsoft Teams and Copilot,” said Nico Ros, chief technology officer at SkyCell.
Elena González-Blanco García, technical director for digital natives at Microsoft EMEA, added: “By harnessing the transformative power of AI through Microsoft Azure OpenAI, SkyCell is advancing pharmaceutical logistics to create safer, more efficient supply chains. This approach will ensure that vital treatments reach patients swiftly and securely, ultimately driving impactful progress in the industry.”
The SkyMind solution aligns with the pharmaceutical sector’s growing need for AI-led transformation, as companies face increasing pressure to reduce costs, improve sustainability and meet regulatory demands.
Elekta has announced a partnership with Azra AI to improve cancer registry workflows using AI-powered automation.
Combining Elekta’s next-generation software with Azra AI’s oncology workflow tools, this collaboration aims to streamline data management and ensure compliance with international standards.
Elekta ONE Registry Informatics, hosted on Axis Cloud, offers secure and web-based solutions designed to automate case-finding, reduce manual data entry, and improve data ingestion and reporting. By integrating Azra AI’s real-time patient identification and workflow automation, cancer registry teams can enhance operational efficiency and data accuracy.
Anish Patankar, Elekta’s SVP & Head of Business Line Software, said: “Cancer registries are essential for improving cancer care outcomes. By bringing together Elekta’s advanced registry software and Azra AI’s AI-driven workflow automation, we are helping hospitals advance data integrity and optimise operations.”
John Marshall, CEO of Azra AI, added: “Healthcare and cancer centres are under increasing pressure to modernise and streamline registry reporting while maintaining accuracy and compliance. Through this partnership, we are providing oncology teams with advanced tools to enhance efficiency, reduce administrative burden and improve patient outcomes.”
The collaboration sets the stage for future advancements in cancer registry technologies, benefiting oncology teams, hospitals and patients alike. It aligns with Elekta’s commitment to innovation in cancer care and Azra AI’s focus on workflow automation.