Metofico

Metofico is a life sciences software company that uses AI and advanced data analysis to accelerate discovery and improve research outcomes in pre-clinical research. Founded in 2021 by brothers Mehdi and Salah Boutagouga Boudjadja, the company emerged from Mehdi's decade-long experience in neuroscience research, where he identified a critical need for user-friendly, high-quality data analysis tools in the life sciences. Metofico has since grown into a global provider of data analysis solutions, earning the support of Sterling Road and Y-Combinator in 2023 and 2024 respectively, and contributing to the publication of several peer-reviewed papers.

At its core, Metofico addresses two fundamental challenges facing modern life science researchers: the generation of vast datasets that are difficult to manage and analyze, and the lack of suitable tools that do not require coding expertise. Metofico's response is an all-in-one online platform offering multiple no-code modules tailored to different types of pre-clinical data analysis, bringing cutting-edge methods from other industries into the life sciences and continuously refining its tools based on customer feedback.

Key Products and Modules

• TOMB-AI (Tracking of Object Movement and Behavior): An AI-powered module for automated behavior recognition that scores any behavior directly from video, with no pre-processing, keypoint annotation, or polygon detection required.
• Multi-subject tracking: TOMB-AI supports the simultaneous tracking of multiple subjects within the same experimental setup.
• FPA (Fiber Photometry Analyzer): A dedicated module for fiber photometry data analysis supporting up to four light channels per animal.
• Traditional and bilateral fiber photometry support: FPA is compatible with both traditional (blue-violet-yellow) and bilateral (blue-violet) fiber photometry configurations.
• Animal and Events Managers: Built-in tools within FPA that allow researchers to easily create groups, subgroups, and events for rapid and organized data analysis.

Core Platform Capabilities

• No-code interface designed specifically for pre-clinical research, removing the barrier of programming expertise for life scientists.
• All modules are available on a single online platform, enabling a unified and streamlined analysis workflow.
• Incorporates advanced methods and technologies from outside the life sciences to push the field forward.
• Platform is continuously improved based on direct collaborator and customer feedback.
• Free demos and trials are available, allowing researchers to explore how the solutions can enhance their specific research or operational goals.

Team and Scientific Expertise

• Dr. Mehdi Boutagouga Boudjadja (CEO, PhD): A neuroscientist specializing in circuit neuroscience whose work bridges cutting-edge data science and life sciences, with numerous high-impact publications across journals including Current Biology, Nature Communications, PNAS, Cell Metabolism, and Journal of Neuroscience.
• Salah Boutagouga Boudjadja (CTO, MSc): A software architect and data scientist holding a Master's degree in software architecture, computer vision, and deep learning from the University of Gustave Eiffel (Paris Est), with expertise in innovative data science solutions and advanced data visualization.
• Lydia Stephenson (Scientific Relations, MSc): Holds a BSc in Biology and an MSc in Neuroscience from the University of Manchester, with hands-on experience in advanced neuroscience techniques and early versions of Metofico's tools through her MSc research conducted with the CEO.

Publications and Recognition

• TOMB-AI was featured in Science magazine under New Products (AI/Automation).
• Metofico's tools and team have contributed to publications in leading journals including Diabetes, Nature Communications, PNAS, Journal of Neuroscience, Current Biology, Autophagy, and Cell Metabolism.
• Backed by prominent investors Sterling Road and Y-Combinator, supporting the company's continued growth and development.

Metofico can be reached at [email protected], and the company offers free demos and trials of its software to help research teams and organizations evaluate how its platform can support their specific pre-clinical research goals.