Lucid Genomics: Unlocking the Dark Genome's Secrets
The team (l to r): Hossein Moeinzadeh (Co-Founder CTO), Uirá Souto Melo (Co-Founder CEO), Tessa Remmers (Founders Associate), Mojtaba Niazi (Software Engineer), Paolo Infantino, Nico Alavi (Machine Learning Scientist), Jakob Hertzberg (Head of Technology) - © K.I.E.Z./Daniel Rodriguez
Lucid Genomics, a Berlin-based startup spun off from the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, has secured €1.3 million in pre-seed funding. The company is pioneering the exploration of the "dark genome" - previously undiscovered parts of human DNA - to revolutionize healthcare through AI-powered solutions.
According to a press release from the Max Planck Institute, Lucid Genomics aims to translate 100% of genetic information into valuable insights for better patient care and accelerated drug discovery. This approach marks a significant advancement over existing methods that analyze only 2% of genomic information.
The startup's innovative platform leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to decode patterns in human DNA, including the non-coding parts often referred to as the "dark genome". This comprehensive analysis could lead to breakthroughs in precision medicine, gene editing, and pharmacogenomics.
Co-founders Uirá Souto Melo (CEO) and Hossein Moeinzadeh (CTO) have developed a B2B Software-as-a-Service platform that offers complete DNA analysis solutions to the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Their technology outperforms existing methods in genetic variant detection and prioritization, covering both coding and non-coding variations.
The newly secured funding will be used to expand Lucid Genomics' Digital HealthTech Platform and refine their AI models. The company plans to initially focus on rare genetic diseases before expanding into cancer diagnostics and related fields.
As the first startup from the MAX!mize incubation program to raise venture capital, Lucid Genomics represents a successful example of translating basic research into innovative market solutions. The company's unique combination of DNA sequencing technologies, AI advancements in genomics, and dark genome expertise positions them at the forefront of genetic analysis innovation.
Read our interview with Uirá Souto Melo, CEO & Co-Founder of Lucid Genomics on ai-berlin.com.
