Berlin startup Lucid Genomics secures pre-seed funding of €1.3 million to fine-tune their AI models for diagnostics and biomarker identification

Lucid Genomics, a pioneering Berlin-based startup spin-off from the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, raised €1.3 million pre-seed funding round led by Caesar Ventures, with additional support from BIF Partners, Another.Vc, and the MPF Accelerator Program.

 

This investment will fuel the expansion of Lucid Genomics' cutting-edge AI-Digital HealthTech platform, designed to revolutionize diagnostics and drug discovery by extracting valuable insights from genomic data, and enabling more accurate development of targeted therapeutic solutions. Their innovative platform leverages advanced machine learning to identify genetic variations with unmatched accuracy, prioritizing both coding and non-coding regions.

Lucid Genomics is the brainchild of its founders Uirá Souto Melo (CEO) and Hossein Moeinzadeh (CTO), who built upon the groundbreaking research of Prof. Dr. Stefan Mundlos and Prof. Dr. Martin Vingron from the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Leveraging the institutes' scientific expertise, Lucid Genomics developed a B2B Software-as-a-Service platform that offers comprehensive DNA analysis solutions to healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. The platform's development was supported by a variety of accelerator programs, including MAX!mize (which provided €270K in non-dilutive investment), Start2 Group, and K.I.E.Z AI.

Whole genome sequencing holds immense potential for revolutionizing fields like precision medicine, gene editing, and pharmacogenomics. However, current analysis methods often overlook the "dark genome" – the non-coding regions of DNA that make up 98% of our genetic material. Analyzing 100% of genome datasets requires sophisticated AI and ML algorithms that can identify and decode intricate patterns within human DNA.

Drawing upon years of expertise in DNA sequencing, the Lucid Genomics team has developed groundbreaking machine learning algorithms that significantly enhance genetic variant detection. These algorithms outperform existing methods by prioritizing both coding and non-coding variations, unlocking valuable insights from the often-overlooked "dark genome."

Building on this foundation, the researchers have created a comprehensive framework for interpreting any genetic mutation, regardless of its location within the genome. Their approach paves the way for a more holistic understanding of genetic variations and their implications for human health.

Lucid Genomics is now poised to leverage this cutting-edge technology to expand its Digital HealthTech Platform. By mining 100% of DNA data, the company aims to further refine genetic mutation identification and deliver even more accurate and actionable insights.

The initial focus will be on rare genetic diseases, followed by a strategic expansion into cancer diagnostics and other related sectors.


Founders Quote

"Our unique strength lies in our expertise across three key areas: cutting-edge DNA sequencing technologies, advanced AI in genomics, and a deep understanding of the 'dark genome.' This powerful combination has been instrumental in founding Lucid Genomics."

"We anticipate a 'Genomic Revolution' transforming healthcare, and we're committed to positioning Lucid Genomics as a pioneer in this exciting field."

"Our vision is for our SaaS platform to evolve into a comprehensive digital solution capable of processing 100% of any DNA sequencing data. This will have a profound impact on cancer screening, drug discovery, and clinical trials."

 

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