Asheem Chandna & Jim Swanson: Harnessing AI to Drive Improvement at Johnson & Johnson

Artificial intelligence (AI) has moved from buzzword to business imperative, and few companies illustrate this shift better than Johnson & Johnson. In a recent conversation hosted by Greylock, Asheem Chandna sat down with Jim Swanson, CIO at J&J, to unpack how AI is reshaping R&D, manufacturing, and employee experience across the healthcare giant. Below, we recap the key insights and share resources to help you explore the topic in depth.

The AI Imperative at J&J

According to Swanson, “Today, technology is no longer just a support function—it’s a strategic enabler.” With global brands spanning pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health products, J&J faces complex challenges at every stage of the value chain. AI offers the promise of accelerating drug discovery, optimizing supply chains, and personalizing patient engagement. Yet, embedding AI at scale requires more than pilot projects—it demands an enterprise‐wide vision, robust data infrastructure, and a culture that embraces experimentation.

Key Areas of AI Application

• Drug Discovery & Clinical Trials: By applying machine learning to vast biochemical datasets, J&J’s researchers can identify promising compounds faster. Swanson highlights how generative AI models accelerate the design of novel molecules and streamline trial recruiting by matching patients with greater precision.
• Smart Manufacturing: In manufacturing plants worldwide, AI‐powered predictive maintenance reduces unplanned downtime. Real‐time analytics flag anomalies on production lines, enabling operations teams to intervene before costly shutdowns occur.
• Customer & Sales Analytics: From personalized marketing campaigns to AI‐driven chatbots, J&J leverages natural language processing to engage healthcare providers and consumers more effectively, improving both satisfaction and compliance.
• Employee Experience: Internal chatbots and virtual assistants handle routine HR queries, freeing teams to focus on strategic initiatives. Swanson notes that giving employees access to AI tools “democratizes innovation” and fuels continuous improvement.

Building a Responsible AI Ecosystem

Scaling AI at an organization of J&J’s size requires a strong governance framework. Swanson emphasizes the importance of:

• Data Ethics & Bias Mitigation: Regular audits ensure models operate fairly and transparently, especially in sensitive healthcare contexts.
• Robust Security: Protecting patient data and intellectual property is paramount. J&J combines encryption, anonymization, and continuous monitoring to safeguard its AI initiatives.
• Cross‐Functional Collaboration: Partnering with clinical experts, regulatory teams, and external startups helps the company validate AI solutions from multiple angles before rollout.

For a closer look at best practices in responsible AI, see McKinsey’s guide to generative AI.

Leadership, Culture & Continuous Learning

Asheem Chandna points out that “AI is only as successful as the people who champion it.” To foster an AI‐driven culture, J&J has:

• Established an AI Center of Excellence that offers training, tooling, and best practices to internal teams.
• Launched upskilling programs in partnership with universities, ensuring employees gain hands‐on experience with machine learning frameworks and cloud platforms.
• Encouraged pilot‐to‐scale pathways, rewarding teams that demonstrate measurable ROI and accelerate adoption across business units.

The emphasis on learning echoes findings from the 2023 Stanford AI Index, which shows that organizations investing in talent development achieve faster time‐to‐value with AI projects.

Looking Ahead: The Future of AI at J&J

When asked about the next frontier, Swanson envisions:

“We’re exploring how generative AI can transform not just molecule design but also regulatory submissions, manufacturing recipes, and even patient therapy recommendations.”

He also highlights J&J’s growing network of external partnerships—from biotech startups to academic consortia—to co‐innovate and stay ahead of the AI curve.

Conclusion

As Asheem Chandna and Jim Swanson make clear, AI at Johnson & Johnson is not a side project but a core strategic pillar. By combining cutting‐edge technology, robust governance, and a culture of continuous learning, J&J is setting a new standard for how large enterprises can harness AI to drive better outcomes—from faster drug development to improved patient care.

For the full conversation, check out the original interview on Greylock: Gen AI Present and Future: A Conversation with Jim Swanson.

Want to dive even deeper? Explore Johnson & Johnson’s digital innovation hub at jnj.com, or read Harvard Business Review’s take on AI in healthcare.