The tech titans at the same time see a significant opportunity to develop new tools based on artificial intelligence and mobile technology that give companies a window on patients' needs and responses to drugs. MOONSHOT PROJECTS Chief executive officer Vas Narasimhan is boosting Novartis's focus on data and new technology, bringing in Mr Bodson, a former Amazon executive, in January. The drugmaker last month contributed to US$31 million in funds for StartUp Health, a company that invests in "moonshot" projects, and signed a partnership agreement with Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings Ltd. Mr Bodson said Novartis is keen to pursue more deals in the digital realm as it expands in China, the world's second biggest drug market.