AI-generated from publicly available materials.NEC Corporation is set to enhance pandemic preparedness through its participation in the PREPAIR VAC project, a Horizon Europe initiative focused on AI-driven vaccine design.
The PREPAIR VAC project, which will run for four years starting in September 2026 with a budget of around €6.5 million, aims to tackle significant challenges in vaccine development. This collaborative effort includes NEC OncoImmunity AS, a subsidiary of NEC Bio, and various European partners from academia, industry, and public health sectors. Together, they aim to create a framework for rapid vaccine response to emerging infectious diseases.
As the primary initiator, NEC OncoImmunity will leverage AI technologies for antigen prediction and vaccine design. This innovative approach is designed to expedite the transition from identifying pathogens to developing effective vaccines by anticipating viral evolution and crafting broadly protective antigens. Dr. Kaidre Bendjama, Chief Scientific Officer at NEC OncoImmunity, emphasized the importance of AI in enhancing vaccine scalability and adaptability to diverse pathogens and potential future mutations.
The project is coordinated by the European Vaccine Initiative and encompasses a broad range of expertise, addressing not only scientific and technological advancements but also ethical, legal, and regulatory aspects of vaccine innovation. The focus on responsible AI use and public trust highlights the comprehensive nature of this initiative, which aims to set a new standard in pandemic preparedness.