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Google’s DeepMind and BioNTech are teaming up to create AI lab assistants to aid researchers in planning experiments and predicting the results.
This push for new scientific assistants comes as tech companies invest billions in AI technologies, aiming to transform industries such as healthcare, energy, and education.
Sir Demis Hassabis, head of Google’s AI division, is responsible for the development.
DeepMind & BioNTech Propel the Waves of AI in Science
At a recent event hosted by the Nobel Foundation, Hassabis emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) is currently transforming the field of biology. He disclosed ongoing efforts to create an AI assistant capable of predicting experiment outcomes, which would improve researchers’ capabilities in the lab.
However, details about what DeepMind and BioNTech will do together, such as their specific roles and responsibilities, are still unclear.
In parallel, BioNTech and its London-based AI subsidiary, InstaDeep, announced the launch of an AI assistant named Laila, designed using extensive knowledge of biology and built upon Meta’s open-source Llama 3.1 model.
During a live demonstration, researcher Arnu Pretorius illustrated how Laila can automate routine tasks in experimental biology, including the analysis and segmentation of DNA sequences and the visualization of experimental results.
Scientists at BioNTech’s Mainz laboratory also showcased Laila’s ability to connect with lab equipment, allowing the assistant to monitor ongoing experiments and detect mechanical failures in real time.
Commenting on Laila’s unveiling, Karim Beguir, CEO of InstaDeep, exclusively told the Financial Times that while they do not foresee a future dominated by complete automation, they view AI assistants like Laila as productivity boosters, enabling scientists and technicians to concentrate on the most crucial aspects of their work.
This initiative follows BioNTech’s strategic acquisition of InstaDeep on July 31, 2023, for approximately $684 million, aimed at accelerating its research and manufacturing processes through advanced AI technology.
JUST IN – BioNTech to buy AI expert InstaDeep for $684 million in order to "integrate artificial intelligence into all aspects" of the company, Chief Executive Officer Ugur Sahin says.
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) January 10, 2023
While competitors like DeepMind are also developing AI assistants, Beguir pointed out that combining InstaDeep’s technological expertise with BioNTech’s deep biological knowledge provides a unique advantage in the pharmaceutical sector.
Although much of the current AI innovation focuses on predicting potential drug candidates, the challenge remains in conducting real-world experiments.
The goal of developing an AI research assistant is to simplify this process, enabling researchers to effectively plan experiments and select the most promising options from a range of possibilities.
AI is transforming how we approach scientific discovery. Tools like DeepMind’s AI research assistant and BioNTech's Laila are revolutionizing how we plan and execute experiments. As someone deeply involved in tech and innovation, I see this as a game-changer for industries from…
— Mateusz Piech (@matt_piech) October 2, 2024
Experts view the collaboration between DeepMind and BioNTech as a transformative shift for various industries, from biotech to energy. Those who leverage AI effectively will lead the charge in unlocking new opportunities and driving progress into the future.
