Pharma Tech Outlook: Specials Magazine

The buzz around AI tools is hard to ignore, and the promises are even harder to miss. Still, many pharma companies remain cautious, as integrating a new AI solution is neither straightforward nor inexpensive. AI adoption is often weighed down by costs, complex legacy systems integrations, and compliance hurdles. When vendors layer on ambitious five-year implementation plans, taking the first step becomes a daunting challenge. Rebecca Greenberg, founder and CEO of DeepThink Analytics, shifts the conversation by asking pharma companies, ‘What’s the smallest, most meaningful step you can take right now?’ This is her first step to guide clients through digital transformation and AI implementation projects with a practical and feasible approach. Her strategy is use case driven, focusing on real-world scenarios, where AI or digital tools can offer immediate, tangible value, helping clients make progress without being overwhelmed by large-scale, abstract solutions. According to Greenberg, AI doesn’t need to transform a business’ entire operation overnight. Sometimes, the best place to start is with the everyday tasks that slow the teams down. Start small, and the momentum to drive change takes care of itself. “My clients are the experts in their world. My role is to help them rethink the systems they already know and navigate change without chaos. We don’t sell solutions—we co-create them,” says Greenberg. That’s why Greenberg’s method stands out. As a technology-agnostic, she understands many companies are already locked into AWS, Databricks, or legacy systems they can’t easily replace, while others simply lack the budget for sweeping, all-at-once AI rollouts. Her approach begins with a pragmatic assessment of the organization’s current assets, prioritizing efficiency over costly, complex solutions. This can involve leveraging in-house tools—such as using Copilot to draft L&D scripts—or initiating low-risk, high-value pilot projects. In some cases, it is as straightforward as organizing messy spreadsheets, where one person puts ‘Cape Canaveral, Florida’ in a single cell and someone else splits it across three columns. This step helps clients recognize how much of their digital transformation journey still lies ahead while gaining a clearer understanding of what true digital transformation entails. Small wins like these build trust and momentum. Once people see what’s possible, they’re more open to exploring larger-scale solutions that add more value. Greenberg achieves this by leading with the right questions — the kind that help clients surface the answers they had all along.

For food supplement brands seeking to expand globally, creating high-quality products is only one part of the equation. Success depends on how well those products fit each market. Regulations, consumer habits and cultural nuances vary widely, and navigating them requires more than production power. It takes a partner with deep local expertise and strong operational capability, one who can interpret regulatory frameworks, customize formulations and deliver strategies that resonate on the ground. Cunsa International brings over 22 years of experience helping supplement brands succeed across some of the world’s most demanding markets. Founded in Chile, one of the most rigorous regulatory environments globally, Cunsa built its foundation on precision, compliance and adaptability. Today, it operates as an embedded partner, working closely with clients to develop and scale tailored supplement lines. Each product is locally aligned, meeting regulatory requirements, reflecting consumer expectations and positioned for long-term commercial success. Over 15 years ago, All Nutrition—a company that shares some co-founders with Cunsa—became Chile’s largest healthy nutrition retail chain. This experience gave the team a first-hand understanding of the real challenges brands face: from navigating complex regulations to connecting with end consumers and delivering the kind of support that truly drives success. That insight, gained from the retail side, has been fundamental to how Cunsa supports its strategic partners today “We’ve sat on both sides of the table as brand builders and manufacturing partners,” says Francisco Cáceres, co-founder. “That dual perspective is at the heart of how we support our clients today.” That foundation shaped what would become Cunsa’s defining approach. Its 360º Service model is a fully integrated solution that supports partners throughout the entire journey, from concept to shelf. This includes brand development, customized formulation and packaging, as well as hands-on support like sales training and post-launch guidance. What sets the model apart is its collaborative nature. Cunsa works closely with commercial and marketing teams while staying tightly aligned with logistics operations to ensure smooth execution. It offers the agility and insight needed to grow categories across regions. While brands focus on consumer connection and commercial growth, Cunsa manages the operational and regulatory complexity..