Shift Bioscience, based in Cambridge, leverages generative AI to reverse ageing.
- The company secured £12.2m in seed funding led by the Business Growth Fund.
- Their AI platform focuses on gene activation to rejuvenate cells and fight ageing.
- Founder Dr Daniel Ives emphasises addressing limitations in treating age-related diseases.
- Jonathan Milner joins the board following the funding boost.
Located in Cambridge, Shift Bioscience is at the forefront of using generative AI to combat the ageing process. This innovative approach focuses on rejuvenating cells by understanding and activating specific genes.
The startup has successfully secured £12.2m in a seed funding round led by the Business Growth Fund (BGF). This financial injection is aimed at developing their AI-based cell simulation platform further.
Shift Bioscience’s platform is designed to predict which gene sets can safely rejuvenate cells, thereby potentially addressing age-related conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and osteoarthritis.
Dr Daniel Ives, the CEO, highlights the company’s strategy to overcome current challenges in cellular reprogramming, a method aimed at treating age-related illnesses. He notes the significant rise in age-related diseases due to increased life expectancy over the last century.
According to recent research by the Centre for Ageing Better, the current population in England is the oldest in history, with 40% of individuals over 50 and 20% over 65. The company’s technology may be pivotal in addressing this demographic shift.
Jonathon Milner, among other investors, has now joined the board of Shift Bioscience following the funding round. This move underscores the confidence in the company’s pioneering approach to age-related healthcare.
Tim Rea, head of early-stage investments at BGF, lauds the use of machine learning combined with lab-based biology at Shift Bioscience, viewing it as a significant opportunity in tackling the difficulties associated with age-related diseases.
The investment signifies robust confidence in Shift Bioscience’s innovative approach to reversing age-related conditions.
