Revolutionizing AI in Life Sciences: Apheris and the Power of Federated Computing
In the realm of artificial intelligence, data reigns supreme. However, in the health sector, a significant portion of this data remains untapped, primarily due to concerns about patient privacy, regulatory hurdles, and intellectual property protection. As German entrepreneur Robin Röhm aptly points out, this is a central challenge in deploying AI within life sciences and related fields like pharmaceuticals.
Röhm’s startup, Apheris, tackles this problem with an innovative approach known as federated computing. This technology ensures that data can be used for AI model training without the need to physically move it, thanks to a decentralized framework. Apheris counts major players like Roche and several hospitals among its clients, demonstrating the practical application of its solutions.
How Federated Computing Works
“Computations are executed locally where data resides, and only the outputs (e.g., model parameters) are aggregated centrally,” explains Marcin Hejka, co-founder and managing partner at OTB Ventures.
– Marcin Hejka
Hejka is confident that Apheris could become a pivotal element in the emerging federated data networks. He highlights a growing ecosystem of third-party tools like open-source federation engines and security products that complement Apheris’s offerings.
A Shift in Strategy
Apheris’s journey hasn’t been without its pivots. Originally founded in 2019 by Röhm and Michael Höh to build a federated learning framework, the company shifted focus in 2023 towards catering to data owners in pharma and life sciences. This strategic shift proved fruitful, with Apheris multiplying its revenue fourfold following the release of their new product.
- Total funding raised: $20.8 million
- New funding will help hire senior talent with life science expertise
- The Apheris Compute Gateway is used by the AI Structural Biology Consortium
- Focus areas include AI-driven drug discovery and protein complex prediction
The latest funding round, co-led by eCAPITAL and OTB Ventures, alongside existing investors like Octopus Ventures and Heal Capital, underscores confidence in Apheris’s mission. The funds are earmarked for expanding their team with experts from the life sciences sector.
The Future of AI-Driven Collaboration
“Without addressing the data owners’ concerns in providing data to AI, we don’t think that the impact of AI can really be unlocked,” Röhm emphasizes. “That’s ultimately the core mission of what we’re building.”
– Robin Röhm
Apheris continues to push boundaries by enabling secure collaboration among life sciences companies. Their technology unlocks valuable data while ensuring safety and privacy concerns are addressed. With their strategic focus sharpened, Apheris is poised to make significant strides in AI-enhanced drug discovery and beyond.
