New York-based Insilico Medicine, a clinical-stage artificial intelligence (AI)-driven drug discovery company, has opened the Insilico Medicine Generative Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing Research and Development Center in Abu Dhabi, the region’s largest AI-powered biotechnology research center.
Located in the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) headquarters in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s flagship sustainable urban development, the research and development (R&D) hub will comprise global talent in AI and software development dedicated to expanding the capabilities of Insilico’s end-to-end AI-driven drug discovery platform, Pharma.AI, exploring aging research and sustainable chemistry, and supporting the digital transformation of healthcare in the region.
Alex Aliper President Insilico
“The prime location, strong and stable economy, developed infrastructure, and highly educated talent make Abu Dhabi an emerging hub that attracts high-tech companies from around the world. We are excited to be a part of this. We plan to hire locally and work closely with biotech companies and academic partners to license Insilico’s proprietary software and collaborate on joint research projects to facilitate the digital transformation of the local healthcare industry.”
“This is exactly the kind of groundbreaking work in AI that we aim to support in our free zone and innovation ecosystem. We’re excited about this milestone for Insilico Medicine, particularly given it is taking place during the Year of Sustainability. We look forward to the transformational research that will come out of this incredible new hub. We thank the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) for attracting these organizations to Masdar City,” said Mr. Ahmed Baghoum, Acting CEO of Masdar City.
Mr. Abdulla Abdul Aziz AlShamsi, ADIO Acting Director-General, said that “ADIO congratulates Insilico Medicine on opening a regional HQ in the UAE capital. Abu Dhabi has prioritized advancing technological solutions that further economic progress for the region and beyond. Insilico Medicine is a stellar example of the success of that strategy, and proof of the limitless opportunities available for health tech companies in Abu Dhabi.”
In August 2022, the company announced a Series D2 investment led by Prosperity7 Ventures, the diversified growth fund of Aramco Ventures, expanding its AI biotechnology expertise into Saudi Arabia. The company also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia, which includes providing Insilico’s end-to-end AI drug discovery platform to local biotech companies, partnering with local biotechs on robotic drug discovery, contributing to local clinical trial expertise, and further developing projects extending healthy and productive longevity.
