Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s 3rd Annual
AI/ML for Drug Discovery
10-11 November 2026
Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s annual conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) for Drug Discovery brings together chemists, biologists, data scientists and bioinformaticians to discuss how and where AI models and ML algorithms are being used and can be used in drug discovery to inform decision-making. Case studies presented by scientists and AI experts from pharma/biotech and academia highlight recent successes, as well as existing challenges in AI/ML implementation in drug discovery. The conference is designed to encourage informal, open-ended discussions between R&D scientists and AI start-ups that allow sharing of knowledge and experiences on where AI/ML can make a difference in accelerating drug discovery, especially in areas that involve new targets and modalities.
Coverage will include, but is not limited to:
- Generative AI–enabled de novo molecular drug design and structure optimisation
- Virtual screening, activity prediction, hit identification, and hit-to-lead prioritisation
- AI/ML for lead optimisation and predicting ADME properties and safety profiles
- Using AI/ML for exploring novel target and chemical space
- AI for target identification and validation
- AI-based modelling of protein structure, folding, ligand binding, and interactions
- AI applications for accelerating DMTA workflows and supporting direct-to-biology strategies
- AI-enabled drug repurposing by building cell signaling networks and disease similarity models
Who Should Attend:
- Computational chemists driving the design and synthesis of next-generation drug-like molecules
- Chemists applying AI-driven models and predictions for evaluating emerging drug modalities and optimising DMTA workflows
- Assay developers and screening technologists looking to use AI/ML for virtual screening
- AI/ML and PKPD, data science experts focused on prediction and optimisation of drug-like properties
- Biologists using AI/ML for target discovery and deconvolution
- AI start-ups looking to showcase their AI capabilities and internal drug pipelines
- Investors looking to gain understanding of how AI can impact drug discovery
The deadline for priority consideration is 3 April 2026
All proposals are subject to review by session chairpersons and/or the Scientific Advisory Committee to ensure the overall quality of the conference program. Additionally, as per Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s policy, a select number of vendors and consultants who provide products and services will be offered opportunities for podium presentation slots based on a variety of Corporate Sponsorships.
Opportunities for Participation: