Recent developments
AI-driven discovery
R&D teams intensified AI use. Mitsui Chemicals' AI agent reduces literature-review time by 80% by parsing structural formulas and integrating text-image data, with rollout targeted for FY2026. The Merck and Mayo Clinic collaboration combines multimodal clinical datasets with ML to improve target identification in gastroenterology, dermatology, and neurology. The Novo Nordisk and Vivtex collaboration applies GI screening, delivery technologies, and AI to enable oral biologics for metabolic disease, with up to $2.1 billion in milestones.
Automation and quality AI
Manufacturing digitalization expanded. SPIE to acquire ROFA Industrial Automation AG, strengthening German factory and intralogistics automation capabilities. thyssenkrupp Automotive Body Solutions joined the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI), piloting AI for surface-defect detection and acoustic weld monitoring. The Siemens and CAPHENIA partnership will standardize and digitize control of plasma-based syngas systems for SAF scale-up. In municipal water, Veolia's major Mumbai water projects embed advanced process control; prior Hubgrade deployments in India reduced non-revenue water.
Digitalization for resilience
Operational efficiency programs leaned on digital tools. Covestro's STRONG program delivered €275 million in savings by end-2025, targeting €400 million by 2028. Clariant's performance improvement programs lifted EBITDA margin to 17.8% and aim for CHF 80 million savings by 2026. Ercros' 3D Plan prioritizes digitalization amid weak European demand and a contested takeover bid. Umicore 2025 results showed €100 million in efficiencies. An EIB loan to AMAG backs digitalised, low-emission aluminium R&D and manufacturing.
Data-driven low carbon
BASF's Circalo platform links farm-level data via xarvio tools to verifiable carbon-intensity records for ethanol feedstocks, aligning with Section 45Z timelines and third‑party verification for biorefineries. Process-intensified SAF pathways also advanced as CAPHENIA’s high-efficiency plasma reactors prepare for industrial scale with digital automation partners, targeting substantial lifecycle CO2 reductions.
Materials and capacity shifts
ElevenEs Series B funding initiates a 1 GWh LFP battery-cell plant in Serbia for industrial and mobility applications. Covestro executed targeted acquisitions in medical and coatings while maintaining a cautious 2026 outlook and no 2025 dividend. Aluminium producer AMAG highlighted digitalised product development for aerospace and automotive under EU industrial policy.