Cradle has raised $73 million to advance its protein design AI platform and expand its laboratory facilities. The company uses AI to optimize biomolecular testing, improving efficiency and reducing costs for biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. With plans to train a million scientists to utilize their software, Cradle is positioned to become a leader in the integration of AI within biotechnology.
Cradle, a company specializing in protein design, has successfully raised $73 million in funding to expand its labs and workforce. This funding comes amid a growing trend in which artificial intelligence is increasingly utilized in the biotechnology sector. Founded in 2022, Cradle deploys AI models to optimize biomolecule testing, particularly proteins, enhancing their desirable qualities more rapidly and cost-effectively than traditional methods.
The company aims to assist biotech and pharmaceutical firms by accelerating the development of products such as antibody therapeutics and enzymes, significantly reducing the time and costs associated with experimental rounds. Traditionally, these rounds can be expensive and protracted, often requiring numerous iterations. Cradle’s software makes this process more efficient, thereby increasing the accessibility of high-quality biotechnological advancements.
Cradle operates a laboratory in Amsterdam where it conducts A/B tests on various proteins and develops foundational datasets that improve the learning capabilities of their AI models. This unique combination of software service and laboratory work distinguishes Cradle within its competitive landscape. Charging a straightforward SaaS model allows them to circumvent common issues associated with royalties and revenue sharing, appealing to their clients.
The recent funding round, spearheaded by IVP with contributions from Index Ventures and Kindred Capital, will primarily enhance Cradle’s laboratory facilities and facilitate workforce expansion. CEO Stef van Grieken is optimistic about the future, stating that their long-term goal is to empower “a million scientists” with their software solutions for protein design.
The biotechnology field has witnessed a remarkable shift towards integrating artificial intelligence to expedite research and development processes. Companies like Cradle leverage AI to innovate protein design by recommending molecular modifications to improve properties such as thermal stability. This approach significantly reduces experimentation costs and time, which is crucial in an industry characterized by unpredictability and high stakes. Moreover, the establishment of dedicated laboratories fosters dynamic research environments that are essential for advancing AI models in biomedicine.
Cradle’s recent funding illustrates the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and biotechnology, specifically in protein design. By utilizing advanced software, the company aims to revolutionize how proteins are developed, delivering significant savings in both time and expense for their clients. As they enhance their facilities and workforce, Cradle endeavors to democratize access to their innovative solutions for scientists worldwide, highlighting the future potential of AI in drug discovery and development.
Original Source: techcrunch.com
Leave a Reply