构建AI虚拟细胞基础模型，「百曜科技」获数千万元天使轮融资｜早起看早期

Core Insights - The article highlights the growing interest in the "AI virtual cell" sector, driven by advancements in technology and data acquisition methods like single-cell sequencing, which have led to an explosion of multi-omics data [2][4]. Company Overview - Baiyao Technology recently completed a multi-million yuan angel round of financing, led by Fengrui Capital, with Shunxi Capital participating and Mingde Capital serving as the exclusive financial advisor [3]. - The founding team of Baiyao Technology released a pre-trained single-cell model in 2023, which has been iteratively improved to understand gene regulation and cellular state changes, simulating real cell behavior [3]. Technological Advancements - The single-cell model developed by Baiyao Technology integrates biological prior knowledge, enhancing learning directionality and producing results that align with biological logic [3]. - The model incorporates over 100 million single-cell gene expression data and conducts cross-species pre-training with human and mouse data, enabling the potential for effective translation of animal experiment data to predict human cell responses [3][4]. Industry Trends - The article notes that both the U.S. and China are actively promoting the use of foundational AI models for life simulation, with China's "14th Five-Year Plan" emphasizing the accelerated development of biotechnology and the establishment of major national scientific infrastructure in AI life sciences [4]. - Companies like Xaira Therapeutics and Asimov are already exploring applications of AI virtual cell models in areas such as tumor target discovery and stem cell differentiation [4]. Investment Perspectives - Investors view the virtual cell as a promising area, with the potential to significantly reduce trial-and-error costs and timelines in drug development and scientific research [6]. - Baiyao Technology is recognized for its deep expertise in virtual cell research, having developed multiple foundational and specialized models, and is collaborating with domestic and international pharmaceutical companies [6]. Future Outlook - The construction of AI virtual cells is described as a complex and resource-intensive endeavor, with potential investments reaching "hundreds of billions of dollars" to create comprehensive virtual cell models [5]. - The article emphasizes that the current technology is still in its early stages, but companies like Baiyao Technology are positioned to lead in high-quality data accumulation and algorithm iteration, potentially optimizing efficiency and costs in life sciences research and biopharmaceutical industries [5].