News Summary

Toronto-based BenchSci has announced a multi-year partnership with Montréal’s AI research center Mila to develop AI systems aimed at enhancing drug discovery. This collaboration will focus on creating AI models capable of biological inference and experimental assay prediction, marking significant progress towards autonomous drug discovery. BenchSci, known for its AI-powered software in biopharmaceutical R&D, aims to leverage Mila’s network of AI experts to evolve its generative AI R&D platform. The partnership is viewed as a crucial step in accelerating the development of life-saving medicines. BenchSci’s CEO, Liran Belenzon, highlighted the potential of this collaboration to transform the understanding of biology and expedite innovation. BenchSci, which has raised $218 million from investors like Generation Investment Management and Inovia Capital, has also recently partnered with Sanofi and Thermo Fisher Scientific. Despite its growth, the company has made workforce reductions, aligning with its AI-first strategy.