Bioptimus, a Paris-based AI startup, has secured an additional $41 million in funding, nearly a year after its stealth launch with $35 million. This fresh capital aims to accelerate the development of AI foundation models for biology. The company is determined to create the first “universal AI foundation model” to enhance biological research and drive innovation across various industries.
Breaking the Barriers in Biological Research
Bioptimus aims to overcome a core challenge in biological research: the fragmented approach that focuses on isolated components such as DNA, proteins, and cells. By developing a universal AI foundation model, the company intends to synthesize data across various biological scales and modalities, offering a holistic view of biology as it operates in nature.
Bioptimus: A Leap Forward in Pathology
In July, Bioptimus released what it claims to be the world’s largest foundation model for pathology—H-Optimus-0. The model outperformed others in independent evaluations, excelling in tasks like predicting gene expression from morphology and accurately identifying ovarian cancer subtypes. The model has already been validated by institutions such as Harvard Medical School and the University of Leeds.
The Road Ahead: A Multi-Scale, Multi-Modal Foundation Model
Bioptimus plans to launch its first “multi-scale, multi-modal foundation model for biology” in 2025. This model aims to simulate biology at an unprecedented scale, offering transformative potential for addressing complex challenges—from understanding disease mechanisms to designing precision therapies.
Leveraging Expertise for Transformative Innovation
Led by Professor Jean-Philippe Vert, Bioptimus has built a team of experts, including former members of Google DeepMind and French TechBio company Owkin. Prof. Vert compares the company’s AI model to a “GPT of biology,” emphasizing its potential to revolutionize research and industries. The company’s vision is to empower researchers, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, to simulate complex biological systems, predict disease outcomes, and design therapies with unparalleled precision.
Bioptimus: A Strong Funding Backing for Growth
With this new funding round, Bioptimus now has raised a total of $76 million. The round was led by Cathay Innovation, with participation from investors including Sofinnova Partners, Bpifrance, Andera Partners, Hitachi Ventures, and Boom Capital Ventures. The funds will allow the company to refine and validate its models further, integrate more diverse datasets, and establish strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
“Bioptimus is at the forefront of transforming biological research, leveraging cutting-edge AI to break down silos and unlock the full complexity of biology,” said Jacky Abitbol of Cathay Innovation. “By integrating data across multiple scales and modalities, Bioptimus is paving the way for groundbreaking innovations in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and beyond.”
