Paris-based Bioptimus, a promising AI-enabled bioscience startup, recently made headlines by securing an impressive €32M in seed funding as it emerges from stealth mode with ambitious plans. Led by an esteemed team of scientists, including renowned Professor Jean-Philippe Vert, Ph.D., the company aims to revolutionize biology with groundbreaking AI foundation models, bridging the gaps across various scales of the biological spectrum.
This significant funding round was spearheaded by Sofinnova Partners, with backing from Bpifrance Large Venture, alongside contributions from global funds, including Cathay Innovation. Joining the investment fray are esteemed tech investors like Headline, Hummingbird, NJF Capital, Owkin, and Top Harvest Capital, along with tech entrepreneur Xavier Niel, showcasing strong support for Bioptimus’s vision.
Bioptimus intends to create the first universal AI foundation model in biology, utilizing advanced technologies to catalyze scientific research and drive innovation in biotechnology. Professor Jean-Philippe Vert emphasized the transformative potential of applying foundation models and generative AI in biology, setting the stage for accelerated progress in biomedical and environmental sciences.
By harnessing data from diverse biological scales through generative AI, Bioptimus seeks to unlock new insights from molecules to entire organisms, propelling advancements in biomedicine and beyond. Leveraging Owkin’s data generation capabilities and Amazon Web Services’ computing infrastructure, the company is equipped to develop computational representations that transcend traditional models.
Owkin, a TechBio company based in New York, combines human expertise with AI to optimize patient treatments, bolster clinical trials, and enhance diagnostics through a deep understanding of complex biology. Sofinnova Partners, a reputable European venture capital firm specializing in life sciences and sustainability, recognizes the game-changing potential of foundation models in biology, heralding a new era of personalized medicine and collective knowledge utilization.
With a strong foundation built on elite talent, massive data resources, and cutting-edge computational power, Bioptimus is poised to redefine the industry’s future, supported by Sofinnova Partners’ expertise and extensive network. The convergence of expertise, innovation, and tailored solutions underscores Bioptimus’s commitment to reshaping the landscape of bioscience through AI-enabled advancements.
