2025 Global Summit
Summit Sponsors
Speaker Biographies
Sravan Bhamidipati
Director Data Science, Amgen
Sravan Bhamidipati is a Director of Data Science at Amgen, where he leads AI/ML-driven transformation of the company's commercial processes and product strategies. With 16 years of experience in advanced analytics and data science, Sravan has held leadership roles at Axtria Inc. and MarketRx, specializing in driving operational optimization and digital transformation in the life sciences sector. He is passionate about harnessing AI to deliver impactful business outcomes and has a strong track record in building high-performing, cross-functional teams.
Bharath Bommakanti
Manager - Data Science, McKesson Compile
Bharath Bommakanti is a Senior Data Scientist at McKesson Compile, where he leads Data Science initiatives to improve the healthcare outcomes for U.S. patient populations through deployment of data augmentation and standardization solutions. Holding more than 8 years of experience in U.S. Healthcare data and analytics, he is proficient in ML & DL model development and deployment and is currently working towards leveraging Generative AI for healthcare data improvement and applications.
Jassi Chadha
CEO, Axtria
Jassi Chadha is a pioneer in the field of data analytics and decision support software. He currently serves as President & CEO of Axtria. Since its founding in 2010, Axtria has grown rapidly to become a global leader in the life sciences industry, with customers in over 135 countries. Previously, Jassi was co-founder and CEO of marketRx, acquired by Cognizant Technology Solutions. Jassi and his companies have been featured in some of the most aspirational lists - INC 500, Deloitte FAST 50, NJBiz FAST 50, SmartCEO Future 50, Red Herring, and several other growth, product, culture, and technology awards.
Suchintya Chakraborty
Data Scientist I, Novartis
Suchintya is a seasoned data science professional with ~8 years of experience in the field. He excels at translating complex business challenges into solvable data science problems, delivering tangible outcomes. Holding a master's degree in applied Statistics from IIT Bombay, his expertise encompasses advanced statistical algorithms and machine learning. Currently, he is focused on developing Gen AI solutions to streamline feedback systems for field managers and specialists.
Amardeep Chauhan
Lead Data Scientist, AstraZeneca
With over a decade of expertise in Data Science and AI development, Amardeep is a seasoned professional specializing in planning, leading, and delivering cutting-edge AI solutions. His proven track record includes driving impactful AI innovations for a diverse array of Fortune 500 companies.
In recent years, Amardeep has focused on the biopharma domain, where he has been instrumental in advancing generative AI use cases. His work encompasses critical solutions such as patient eligibility, HCP segmentation, and prioritization strategies for various biopharma and oncology drugs and indications. Amardeep’s unique blend of technical acumen and industry-specific insights positions him as a leader in leveraging AI to transform healthcare outcomes.
Ankit Gupta
Director-Data Science, Novartis
Ankit Gupta is a Director specializing in Data Science at Novartis, with over 13 years of experience in pharma analytics, focusing on Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and Generative AI within the pharmaceutical industry. Graduated from the Management Development Institute, Gurgaon, Ankit has led the development and implementation of multiple large-scale AI products and solutions in the pharma and healthcare sectors. Passionate about advancing healthcare through data, Ankit is dedicated to driving digital transformation and mentoring the next generation of data scientists.
Manikandan Jeeva
Vice President, GenPact
Boasting 19+ years in pharmaceutical and healthcare analytical services, my journey has centered on refining Sales and Marketing Analytics for prominent US Pharma commercial units. Honored with the MLDS 2021 - 40 under 40 Data Scientists Award by Analytics India Magazine. Well-versed in IQVIA, Symphony Health systems, Medicare Part D data, and tools such as Python, TensorFlow, SAS, NoSQL databases, visualization tools, and standard MS Office suite. Committed to driving excellence and innovation in pharmaceutical analytics.
- Generative AI: Proficient in LLM-based Agents and bespoke configurations of the Llama2-70B model for nuanced data interactions.
- Omnichannel Strategy: Commanding orchestration of decision engines across four therapy areas, effectively engaging an 80K customer base.
- Advanced Analytics: Specializing in Market Mix Modeling, Physician Influence Networks, Tactical ROI Analysis, and Behavioral Segmentation.
- Machine Learning: Devising neural networks, utilizing RNN for demand prediction, and implementing conversational AI solutions.
- Business Intelligence: Adept in tools such as JavaScript, D3.js, and Tableau, and creating insightful Brand/Payer Scorecards.
- Patient Analytics: Conducting thorough analyses using APLD & EMR/EHR datasets.
- Public Data Utilization: Mining patient registries and forums to derive brand insights.
- Project Leadership: Demonstrated prowess in helming sizable business intelligence and analytics projects.
Anurag Kedia
Associate Principal, Platform Professional Services, ZS
Anurag has more than 11 years of experience artfully blending sales compensation design, latest technology and day-to-day compensation management into an optimal solution—for both global and local organizations. He has helped clients put solutions into action across multiple geographies and deploy solutions which provide visibility for field reps and analytics for headquarters. He has led several projects but primarily works with clients in the Pharma & MedTech industry in North America and Latin America.
Amol Kelkar
Senior Manager, Data Science, Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) India Pvt Ltd
Analytics professional with ~12 years of experience in Analytics, Data Science and Engineering, currently working in pharmaceutical industry. Previously worked across Fintech, E-Commerce and pharmaceutical industry on advanced analytics and predictive analytics across various geographies using Data Science techniques. Current focus is on bringing commercial effectiveness to life by building Generative AI and NLP based products.
Ritu Kohli
Principal, Axtria
Ritu has 20 years of leadership experience in Data and Analytics consulting and technology solutioning across life sciences and Hi-tech industries. She brings deep expertise in areas of Commercial Analytics, Digital and Customer Analytics, Patient Outcomes and Data Science to drive strategic problem solving and digital transformation initiatives for clients. She has 15 years of life sciences industry experience spread across Axtria, ZS Associates and Indegene. She has also worked in Product Development and IT consulting at Microsoft and Sapient respectively. She holds and MBA from Indian School of Business, Hyderabad in Finance and Strategy (Dean’s List), B.Tech in Computer Science from NIT, Allahabad (MNNIT)
Prateek Kothari
Assistant Vice President, GenPact
With over 11 years of experience in Marketing Analytics, Consulting, and General Management within the U.S. Pharma market, I bring a specialized focus on diabetes and obesity therapies. Currently, I am leading the Data Quality vertical under the Data Governance stream, driving initiatives to ensure accuracy and reliability in data-driven decision-making.
Passionate about leveraging data to solve complex business challenges, I have extensive expertise in managing analytics-driven projects, fostering collaboration across cross-functional teams, and delivering actionable insights through effective communication. My work combines a deep understanding of therapeutic areas with a commitment to transforming data into strategic value, enabling impactful business outcomes.
Anuj Mahajan
Senior Director, Axtria
Anuj Mahajan is a Senior Director at Axtria India where he leads Global Commercial Excellence engagements. He is a seasoned professional with over 14 years of experience in working in life sciences and analytics, majority of those working in US. He has led multiple engagements in NJ, Chicago, Boston areas with pharma companies, enabling next generation field facing platforms. He is passionate to deliver solutions that helps pharma clients take data driven business decisions and improve operational efficiency. Anuj holds a management degree from MDI, Gurgaon and an Engineering degree in Computer Science.
Sambit Nandi
Data Science Manager, ZS Associates
Sambit is a Data Science Manager with extensive experience in AI development and deep learning applications in healthcare. Currently based in San Francisco, Sambit specializes in real-world data and insights, working with global pharmaceutical clients to solve complex problems such as patient prediction and pathway analytics. With 10 years of management consulting experience, Sambit has successfully led projects across various therapeutic areas, including oncology, autoimmune, infectious diseases, ophthalmology, and pain management for several pharmaceutical and biotech organizations. Sambit's current area of focus includes AI transformation with classical and Gen-AI technologies for commercial success of organizations.
Mahendra Nayak, Ph.D.
Director, Data Science, EVERSANA Life Sciences
Dr. Mahendra Nayak is the Director of Data Science at EVERSANA, with 16 years of experience in advanced analytics and AI/ML solutions. He specializes in predictive modeling, patient analytics, cloud-based analytics, NLP, LLMs, and segmentation strategies. He has a proven track record of building and leading data science teams, driving solution roadmaps, and capability development. He developed an intelligent personalized engagement engine for a leading pharmaceutical company, enhancing call planning with AI/ML models. Dr. Nayak holds a PhD in Econometrics from the University of Madras, Chennai, India.
Mukta Paliwal, PhD
Associate Director, Novartis
Dr. Mukta is a highly skilled data scientist with over a decade of experience in developing innovative solutions using AI, machine learning, and data science across various domains. Currently serving as an Associate Director at Novartis in Hyderabad, Mukta leads AI and innovation projects for commercial analytics. She holds a PhD in Applied ML from IIT Bombay and has been recognized with numerous accolades from both academia and industry for outstanding contributions to technology.
Daniel Pfeffer, Ph.D.
Senior Manager, Data Science, EVERSANA Life Sciences
Daniel Pfeffer is Senior Data Science Manger with the Data and Analytics group at EVERSANA. He is a data scientist with extensive programming and data analysis skills and holds a PhD in Cosmology from the Johns Hopkins University. He has worked in the healthcare industry for over five years gaining expertise in analyzing and generating data driven actionable insights from Real World Data including administrative claims data and electronic health records (EHR).
Deepthi Pullarkat
Director, Axtria
Deepthi has over 13 years of experience in patient analytics, forecasting (demand and launch) and forecasting capability development across multiple therapeutic areas in Infectious Diseases, Vaccines and Oncology. Her professional experience is exclusively in pharmaceutical analytics and has worked at Mu Sigma, ZS Associates and MSD India.
Pratosh Raj Raman
Senior Data Scientist, McKesson Compile
Pratosh Raj is a Senior Data Scientist at McKesson Compile, where he focuses on predictive analytics. With 5 years’ experience in Data Science, including 3 years working in U.S. Healthcare data and analytics, he is proficient in Statistics and ML and is currently working towards leveraging Generative AI for healthcare data improvement and applications.
Ritu Rana
Senior Manager, Axtria
Ritu possesses over 11 years of experience in forecasting, providing expert support to a diverse portfolio of leading pharmaceutical clients. Her expertise encompasses both time series and patient-based forecasting methodologies, ensuring comprehensive and effective solutions to address a wide range of forecasting inquiries. Ritu's contributions are evident across all stages of the product lifecycle, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to delivering exceptional results.
Srikanth Sankaran Iyer
Associate Director, Machine Learning, IQVIA Inc.
Srikanth Iyer is an Associate Director of Machine Learning at IQVIA based in Philadelphia area, specializing in leveraging advanced AI and machine learning technologies to drive innovation in the life sciences industry. With extensive experience in developing Gen AI solutions and leading high-performing teams, Srikanth focuses on creating scalable enterprise-grade AI products tailored for healthcare applications. Passionate about transforming data into actionable insights, he has successfully contributed to AI-driven strategies that enhance commercial outcomes and operational efficiencies. Srikanth's expertise lies in building cutting-edge solutions that align with the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.
Mohamed Shalik
Associate Consultant, Trinity Lifesciences
5 years of experience in analytics & data science consultant across Pharma, retail and petrochemical industry. Experienced at delivering advanced analytical solutions to deliver insights and implement action-oriented solutions to complex business problems.
Manish Sharma
Head of Human Health Digital, Data & Analytics Capability Center India, Merck
Manish brings more than 2 decades of experience at the intersection of Pharma and Data & Analytics. Over time he had established several high performing teams that delivered clear business outcomes and used power of data and science to save and improve lives. Manish is known for his inclusive, empathetic, result oriented and inspirational leadership. Manish is married to Minal who is a program management expert, and they have 11-year-old daughter Mahi.
Shruti Shekhar
Principal, Advanced Analytics and Insights, Definitive Healthcare
With a decade of experience spanning the healthcare industry, Shruti Shekhar specializes in translating data into strategies that drive market growth for pharmaceutical clients. An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad and NTU Singapore, her career journey—from building DNA sequencers to driving automation and MedTech consulting—reflects her passion for innovation and problem-solving. With expertise covering manufacturing, regulatory strategy, and analytics, Shruti brings both technical depth and business acumen to every project. Having led teams and projects across Singapore, Malaysia, China, the U.S., and India, she combines global experience with local insights to create impactful strategies in marketing, sales, and market access.
Neha Shitut
Principal, Advanced Analytics and Insights, Definitive Healthcare
Neha Shitut brings over 16 years of expertise in analytics, specializing in Promotional and Payer Analytics across the CPG/Retail and Healthcare sectors. She has led global accounts across the U.S., Europe, and APAC, delivering data-driven solutions for top pharmaceutical clients. At Definitive Healthcare, Neha has developed impactful strategies across therapy areas such as Oncology, Rare Diseases and Women’s Health. A former Senior Data Science Faculty at Jigsaw Academy (now UNext, Manipal Education), she has mentored hundreds of aspiring data scientists in Statistical Techniques, Python and Machine Learning. Neha’s combined industry and academic experience establishes her as a thought leader in healthcare analytics.
Shivam Shivam
Enterprise Architect, ZS Associates
Shivam is a distinguished AI leader with 6.5+ years of experience, spearheading ZS's Generative AI initiatives and delivering 30+ cutting-edge projects across NLP, Image Processing, and Big Data. A recognized thought leader, he has delivered 50+ global keynotes, published 15+ research papers, and was honored as a top 20 emerging computer scientist by IEEE Computer Society. Shivam also serves as an Adjunct Faculty in Generative and Responsible AI at leading universities and mentors 60+ startups as an Advisory Board member at IIIT Allahabad, driving innovation and entrepreneurship in AI.
Suneet Taparia
Associate Director, Data Science, Merck
Suneet is a seasoned data science leader with 18+ years of experience, dedicated to leveraging data for business growth and societal benefit. Currently serving as Associate Director of Data Science and Gen AI Engineering at MSD. His expertise spans Data, Advanced Analytics & ML, Gen AI, Platform strategy, and Architecture & Governance.
His credentials include a Master’s Degree in Data Science & Analytics from Georgia Institute of Technology, Graduate Certificate in System Design and Management from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering from SSTC University, Bhilai, India. These credentials are complemented with his hands-on experience and industry knowledge in business domains like Banking, Manufacturing, Agriculture & Life Sciences.
Jaimeen Trivedi
Head of Platform Professional Services, ZS
Jaimeen is a seasoned expert in platforms, specializing in digital marketing solutions, business intelligence, data management and governance, and global commercial operations. With over 20 years of experience, he has designed, architected, and implemented robust, transformational solutions for large and medium organizations in pharma, retail and CPG domains. His expertise extends to leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as AI-driven analytics, cloud-native architectures, and machine learning to drive business innovation and efficiency.
Ketan Vaidya
Senior Data Scientist, Optum
A Mechanical Engineering graduate from IIT Dharwad, I am a Senior Data Scientist at Akaike Technologies, specializing in advanced analytics and Generative AI (GenAI) solutions. With expertise in transforming marketing and sales strategies for Fortune 500 pharma clients, I have led impactful projects such as Patient Eligibility Models and AutoML platforms. My work includes creating GenAI-powered copilots for analytics and agentic systems, bridging natural language and data insights.
Sandeep Varma
Partner, ZS Associates
Sandeep is a Partner in ZS’s Pune, India, office with over 25 years of technology consulting experience, which includes architecting and delivering innovative solutions for complex business problems leveraging AI and Technology. Sandeep has been critical in driving various large-scale programs at ZS Associates. He was the founding member the Big Data Analytics Centre of Excellence in ZS and currently leads the Enterprise Service Center of Excellence. Sandeep is a thought leader and has served as chief architect of multiple large-scale enterprise big data platforms. He specializes in rapidly building high-performance teams focused on cutting-edge technologies and high-quality delivery. Sandeep has worked on a range of technologies starting from Java, Informatica to Big Data, Natural Language Processing, Graph Embedding, Graph Algorithms, AWS, Azure to recently on Generative Artificial Intelligence and is also working on making it more scalable and industry ready. Sandeep has over 10 research papers/articles published in various forums. His recent work in the field Generative AI and Knowledge Graph has been widely appreciated and was published in IEEE and Springer. Sandeep’s unique idea of a Data Management (Common Components Framework) has gained a lot of appreciation from his clients and has been used by more than 20 clients. Sandeep has worked with TESCO, Infosys and TCS before joining ZS in 2009 as Development Manager, Project Manager and Analyst respectively.
Phani Veeranki, MD., DrPH
Senior Director & Principal Consultant, Optum
Dr. Veeranki is a physician-scientist and has significant expertise and experience in clinical epidemiology, policy analysis and economic valuations to demonstrate the value of healthcare interventions.
Dr. Veeranki has served as an advisor and investigator for numerous clinical trials, several cohort studies and cross-sectional surveys along with hospital-based quality improvement projects. He is a thought leader in conducting interventional and observational research using real-world data and offers innovative clinical solutions, research approaches and strategies to clients and internal partners. He has deep knowledge and expertise in methodological approaches to address clients’ needs in multiple therapeutic areas including respiratory, oncology, cardiovascular, neurology, psychiatry, and rare/genetic diseases. Additionally, he is an expert in retrospective and prospective cohort studies, clinical trials, medical chart review studies, preference-elicitation methods, expert-elicitation methods and healthcare economic models. He has authored or been a co-author on >90 peer-reviewed publications and >100 conference abstracts or presentations. His work has been published in leading journals including JAMA, CHEST, BMJ and AJPH. In his current role with with Optum Value & Evidence Solutions, Dr. Veeranki leads a team of researchers in conducting observational studies using administrative claims data and electronic health record data.
Before joining Optum, Dr. Veeranki held positions in various research capacities in both academia and industry. He holds a MD and DrPH in epidemiology and completed a fellowship in health outcomes research from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Nishant Verma
Senior Data Scientist, Novartis
A Data Scientist at Novartis Hyderabad with around 12 years of experience across various industries, and the last 7 years focused on Data Science and Analytics. Within Novartis, he has worked on projects such as the omni-channel decision engine and content recommendation engine for HCPs in both the Pharma and Oncology domains.
Vikash Verma
Senior Director, Data Science, Optum
Vikash has 17 years of experience in forecasting, HEOR, managed market analytics, portfolio/data strategy, sales force excellence, and KOL management. He has worked in the US and Europe with leading pharmaceutical companies for new product launches, building digital strategies for patient engagement, and building next-generation analytical platforms for forecasting and managed market analytics.
Currently, he leads the Optum Rx and Life Sciences India team, comprising over 250 members which includes consultants, doctors, data scientists, and data engineers to support projects on healthcare commercial effectiveness and real-world insights solutions. He has presented over 80 posters and whitepapers in international forums. Before joining Optum, Vikash worked with companies like TCS, GSK Knowledge Centre (WNS), and Pharmarc (part of IQVIA now). He received his BS degree in pharmaceutical science from Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, an MBA (marketing) from Manipal Institute of Management, and an Executive program in business analytics from IIM Calcutta. He has completed the Senior Executive Development CXO Program - in Driving Growth from XLRI and AI for Business Leaders from Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University.
Maharshi Yeluri
Principal Data Scientist, Akaike Technologies
I am leading a team of 10+ LLM engineers and data scientists, working with client stakeholders and product managers to develop GenAI solutions aligned with the product roadmap. Consulting with stakeholders managing multiple brand teams in very large oncology and non-oncology portfolios to adapt GenAI into their sales and targeting workflows. Building high-fidelity copilots in Pharma for various personas, enabling no-code insight generation on large databases with 1000+ columns and 5+ databases. Building GenAI infrastructure for unstructured data solutions on millions of PubMed articles and Competitor websites to aid the content authoring process.