Innovation Watch: AI Applications in Clinical Development 2026

AI has emerged as a transformative force in clinical development, by enhancing decision-making, automating manual processes, and improving trial execution across the value chain. This report explores generative, agentic, and advanced AI’s growing influence in the clinical development value chain. Life sciences enterprises are leveraging these tools to improve study start-up operations, accelerate patient enrolment, and navigate complex regulatory requirements. As the clinical trials landscape becomes more complex and data-intensive, AI applications are enabling organizations to overcome data fragmentation, improve collaboration, and achieve faster time-to-market.

The report features Everest Group’s Innovation Watch Assessment of 18 leading providers offering AI solutions for clinical development. It segments providers into four categories – Luminaries, Fast Followers, Influencers, and Seekers – based on capability and market impact. It also details provider offerings, market challenges, adoption trends, and commercialization strategies, equipping procurement and business leaders with a clear view of where AI is delivering the most value and what to expect as capabilities mature.