Aqemia Raises $38M to Target Drug Discovery with Quantum Physics and AI

Aqemia, a French startup based in Paris, is utilizing a combination of quantum-inspired physics and machine learning to revolutionize drug discovery. The company has recently raised $38 million in a funding round led by Cathay Innovation, a San Francisco-based venture capital firm. This marks Aqemia's second fundraising event this year, elevating its total funding to over $100 million. Founded by Maximilien Levesque and Emmanuelle Rolland-Martiano in 2019, Aqemia's novel approach involves training a generative AI system through algorithms in physics and statistical mechanics, which eliminates the need for costly experimental data. The AI system generates synthetic data to predict the properties of potential drug molecules, particularly targeting oncology and immuno-oncology. Contributing to the AI-driven drug discovery trend, Aqemia joins other startups in the field, including Healx, Formation Bio, and Xaira. The company has also formed a significant multi-year partnership with the pharmaceutical giant Sanofi, potentially valued at $140 million based on research outcomes. To expand its global reach and tap into new talent pools, Aqemia plans to establish a new office in London by 2025. This move, alongside the partnership with Cathay Innovation, signals Aqemia's intent to scale its operations and impact the global healthcare landscape.