Merck and Siemens extend collaboration with new MoU to integrate AI and digital platforms for life sciences

Memorandum of Understanding
22.09.2025

(IN BRIEF) Merck and Siemens have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding that expands their collaboration in life sciences and focuses on accelerating digital transformation across drug discovery, development, and manufacturing. The partnership integrates Merck’s life science SaaS tools and AI applications with Siemens’ Xcelerator platform and Luma, the Dotmatics Scientific Intelligence Platform, creating a connected environment where data, automation, and insights flow seamlessly. Jean-Charles Wirth of Merck highlighted the aim to move ideas from the lab to therapies more quickly, while Siemens’ Cedrik Neike emphasized digitalization as key to controlling rising drug development costs. The collaboration will begin with AI-driven pilot projects and expand into co-developing advanced data management, intuitive digital tools, and potentially digital marketplaces, strengthening both companies’ roles in shaping the future of life sciences.

(PRESS RELEASE) DARMSTADT, 24-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Merck and Siemens have reinforced their longstanding collaboration by signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that expands their strategic partnership and intensifies efforts to digitally transform the life science industry. This latest agreement brings together Merck’s advanced life science solutions with Siemens’ Xcelerator platform and the recently acquired Dotmatics Scientific Intelligence Platform, Luma, creating a more connected digital ecosystem for research and manufacturing.

The joint initiative focuses on embedding automation, data-driven decision-making, and artificial intelligence into every stage of the drug development process. By linking tools for discovery, development, and large-scale production, the companies aim to simplify scientific workflows, reduce inefficiencies, and accelerate the path from laboratory breakthroughs to patient-ready treatments.

“This new phase of our collaboration allows scientists to move ideas from the lab into therapies faster than ever before,” said Jean-Charles Wirth, Member of the Executive Board and CEO Life Science at Merck. “Together with Siemens, we want to change the way science advances by combining technology, expertise, and digital solutions that unlock new opportunities for progress.”

Cedrik Neike, Member of the Managing Board at Siemens AG and CEO of Siemens Digital Industries, added: “The cost of developing medicines has been rising sharply, but data and digital technologies are the tools we need to reverse that trend. Through this partnership, we are building a connected digital backbone where information flows freely, insights surface more quickly, and therapies reach patients in less time.”

Initial projects will bring Merck’s AI applications and digital services into Siemens’ platforms, offering scientists a unified space where product ordering, data access, and research tools are integrated seamlessly. Looking ahead, both partners plan to develop smarter data management systems, user-friendly digital interfaces, and even explore marketplace concepts that provide customers easier access to complementary technologies.

This MoU marks a significant step in both companies’ shared mission to set new benchmarks for digital innovation in life sciences. Building on earlier agreements around smart manufacturing, Merck and Siemens are positioning themselves as leaders in advancing scientific research and biomanufacturing through connected, AI-driven technologies that empower researchers and speed up the delivery of new therapies.

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About Merck

Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. More than 62,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2024, Merck generated sales of € 21.2 billion in 65 countries.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck’s technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare, and EMD Electronics in electronics.

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About Siemens

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, mobility, and healthcare. The company’s purpose is to create technology to transform the everyday, for everyone. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers customers to accelerate their digital and sustainability transformations, making factories more efficient, cities more livable, and transportation more sustainable. A leader in industrial AI, Siemens leverages its deep domain know-how to apply AI – including generative AI – to real-world applications, making AI accessible and impactful for customers across diverse industries. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a leading global medical technology provider pioneering breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably. In fiscal 2024, which ended on September 30, 2024, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €75.9 billion and net income of €9.0 billion. As of September 30, 2024, the company employed around 312,000 people worldwide on the basis of continuing operations. Further information is available on the Internet at siemens.com.

SOURCE: Merck KGaA