ICON picks Microsoft as preferred AI and cloud technology partner

ICON plc (NASDAQ: ICLR) has selected Microsoft as a preferred technology partner to support its artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure strategy, the Dublin-based clinical research organization announced.

The partnership includes an enterprise-wide deployment of Microsoft 365 Copilot to all of ICON's approximately 40,100 employees, along with Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Fabric cloud and data services. These tools will support the expansion of Orbis, ICON's agentic AI platform designed to connect data and workflows across the clinical trial lifecycle.

Under the arrangement, Microsoft will help build a data layer using Azure and Fabric services to consolidate ICON's clinical, operational, and enterprise data. ICON will also use Microsoft Azure, Microsoft AI Services, and Microsoft Foundry to develop and deploy AI agents within clinical trial workflows, covering areas such as study design, site identification, regulatory documentation, and patient engagement.

Barry Balfe, Chief Executive Officer of ICON, said: "The industry is moving to AI as core infrastructure, and we are determined to be at the forefront of this transition to the next generation of clinical trials. Our partnership with Microsoft is an important step in our strategy to lead the CRO industry, providing us with productivity tools, and a data foundation to further scale Orbis at speed."

The partnership advances a previously announced plan by ICON to invest in digital innovation and AI over a three-year period. No financial terms of the agreement were disclosed.

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