Meaning ● Automated Drug Discovery (ADD), within the SMB context, represents the strategic utilization of advanced technological platforms – such as AI, machine learning, and high-throughput screening – to accelerate and reduce the costs associated with identifying and developing promising drug candidates. For SMBs, this translates to leveraging automation to compete with larger pharmaceutical companies by significantly streamlining research and development processes, potentially decreasing reliance on extensive laboratory infrastructure via strategic outsourcing partnerships. ● Effectively implemented ADD can lead to faster identification of drug targets, improved lead optimization, and a higher probability of successful clinical trials; crucial benefits considering the limited resources and capital typical of SMBs.