Manchester-based biotech spin-out Imperagen has successfully raised £5 million in seed funding to enhance its AI-driven enzyme engineering platform, a venture stemming from research conducted at The University of Manchester.
This funding round, led by PXN Ventures with participation from existing investors IQ Capital and Northern Gritstone, brings Imperagen's total funding to £8.5 million. Established in 2021 by researchers Dr. Andrew Almond, Dr. Andrew Currin, and Dr. Tim Eyes, the company aims to create industrial enzymes that function effectively under real-world conditions.
Imperagen's innovative platform integrates quantum physics simulations, AI modeling, and automated robotics within a closed-loop system. This approach aims to expedite enzyme engineering processes across various industries, including pharmaceuticals and sustainable chemicals. The company highlights that traditional methods are often slow and costly, while many contemporary AI techniques falter outside laboratory settings. In contrast, Imperagen's system continuously refines its AI models by incorporating experimental data from each testing round, positioning it as a potential leader in biocatalysis.
Notably, the company has already achieved significant productivity improvements in commercial projects, including a collaboration with a Fortune 500 personal care brand, where enzyme productivity surged by 677x and 572x, respectively. With the new funding, Imperagen plans to expand its wet lab operations, enhance its AI team, and accelerate commercialization efforts. The investment reflects the growing strength of the North West's life sciences ecosystem and aligns with the UK Government's focus on advancing key sectors through innovative technology.