Merck has entered a multi-year partnership with Google Cloud to accelerate its transformation into an AI-driven enterprise, with an investment of up to $1 billion.

The collaboration will deploy an agentic AI platform across Merck’s operations, including research and development, manufacturing, commercial functions, and corporate systems. The initiative will also involve Google Cloud engineers working closely with Merck teams to implement advanced technologies such as Gemini Enterprise.

The companies said the partnership aims to improve productivity across Merck’s global workforce of 75,000 employees while speeding up scientific discovery and drug development.

“Merck’s collaboration with Google Cloud represents the next phase of our AI journey, extending our longstanding use of advanced technologies into an intelligent agentic ecosystem that will work alongside our teams as we enter one of the most significant launch periods in our company’s history,” said Dave Williams, chief information and digital officer at Merck. “AI agents and generative tools will help our teams around the world reimagine processes at scale and bring scientific breakthroughs to patients faster.”

Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian said the deal reflects a broader shift in how technology is being applied across the pharmaceutical industry.

Under the agreement, Merck will use Google Cloud’s AI and data platforms to enhance R&D workflows, apply predictive analytics in manufacturing, improve patient engagement through personalization, and automate internal operations.