Cambridge-based startup Shift Bioscience has raised $16 million in seed funding to develop AI-driven solutions for reversing the ageing process and tackling age-related diseases.
Shift Bioscience, a biotechnology startup headquartered in Cambridge, UK, is ambitiously pioneering the use of generative AI to reverse the ageing process. The company, which was established in 2017, is leveraging artificial intelligence to explore gene activation methods aimed at rejuvenating cells. Their work is focused on mitigating age-related illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and osteoarthritis.
The startup revealed on Tuesday that it has secured a $16 million (£12.2 million) seed funding round. This financial milestone has been led by the Business Growth Fund (BGF) and marks a significant step in advancing the development of Shift Bioscience’s AI-driven cell simulation platform.
Dr Daniel Ives, Chief Executive Officer of Shift Bioscience, highlighted the limitations of current cellular reprogramming techniques in treating age-related diseases. He explained that their innovative technology strives to overcome these barriers, positioning the company at the forefront of biotechnological solutions for such health challenges. Ives’ professional background includes three years at the prestigious Francis Crick Institute, underscoring his expertise in the field.
The funding round was a collaborative investment effort, with participation from F-Prime Capital, Kindred Capital, and Jonathan Milner, the founder of Abcam. Following the investment, Milner has joined the board of directors at Shift Bioscience, bringing valuable expertise and insights to the company’s strategic direction.
Tim Rea, who heads early-stage investments at BGF, acknowledged the promise of Shift Bioscience’s approach, which marries machine learning with empirical biology. He indicated that their platform might hold the key to addressing the pervasive issue of treating age-related conditions, which have surged alongside increased life expectancy levels.
In fact, data from the Centre for Ageing Better underscores the urgency of addressing ageing-related health challenges. England’s population is currently its oldest ever recorded, with 40% over the age of 50 and 20% over 65, highlighting the growing demand for innovative healthcare solutions.
Shift Bioscience’s platform utilises generative AI not just to simulate cellular processes but also to meticulously identify specific gene activations that could rejuvenate cells safely. This focus on precision serves as a cornerstone of the company’s strategy to establish a new frontier in the field of regenerative medicine.
As Shift Bioscience advances in its mission, the infusion of capital and expertise from notable investors is poised to accelerate its research and potentially usher in a new era of medical breakthroughs aimed at combating the detriments of ageing.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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