Advancements in DNA sequencing technology and the exponential growth of genomic data generated by next-generation sequencing (NGS) expertise have given rise to innovative opportunities for startups to develop software solutions that empower biologists to efficiently navigate and interpret these vast datasets, ultimately facilitating groundbreaking discoveries. The potential breakthroughs in stem cell research could significantly assist in the development of innovative treatments for various diseases, such as creating new vaccines, novel cancer therapies, and other life-changing medical advancements.
For the final 4 years, , a San Francisco-based startup with an R&D facility in Bilbao, Spain, has been constructing a computational biology platform to make it simpler for biologists to course of, analyze and combination their knowledge. The innovative solution seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technologies such as knowledge visualization and generative AI to significantly enhance user experience through intuitive interfaces.
Its platform can be engineered as a marketplace where various scientists can offer specialized computational tools, packaged as apps, to enhance the utility for the genomics research community, ultimately fostering innovation and collaboration. Our mission is to attract top-tier bioinformaticians, a coveted group of researchers who seamlessly combine expertise in biology, computer science, and mathematics.
“‘No-code’ approach empowers biologists, while our open-source SDK enables bioinformaticians to develop custom tools,” CEO Stan Poslavsky explains to TechCrunch.
Throughout the course of my scientific career, as well as that of our esteemed founders, we have consistently observed a staggering inefficiency. . . As he elaborates, “In cutting-edge therapies and forward-thinking medicine, innovation is constantly unfolding,” “Consequently, a significant disconnect arises between the vast biological knowledge produced by researchers and the absence of reliable evaluation mechanisms to validate or challenge these findings.”
While numerous software solutions for assessing next-generation sequencing data exist, with estimates suggesting hundreds of options, Dr. X notes that the majority were developed within academic settings, where researchers primarily prioritize functionality over user-friendliness.
Biology researchers must also synthesize results from multiple studies, notes the expert. A single unified image that enables you to instantly comprehend the situation. The platform’s impact becomes particularly pronounced in this location.
The startup aims to liberate bioinformaticians from the burden of routine genomic data processing, allowing them to focus on developing sophisticated algorithms and advancing scientific discovery by leveraging their diverse skillset.
According to Poslavsky, bioinformaticians are expending significant effort on menial tasks, essentially acting as technical assistants by running software programs for biologists. “To gain insights from this data, it’s crucial to have access to Linux machines, utilize SSH connections, and execute advanced software tools to process the information and extract valuable perceptions.”
As the doctor lacks proficiency in using Linux on high-performance computing clusters due to distinct challenges, they are unable to perform specific tasks. While many bioinformaticians in corporate and academic settings focus on maintaining daily operations,
On Thursday, MiLaboratories publicly unveiled its Software Development Kit (SDK), enabling third-party developers to create applications, after years of refining the tool through alpha and beta testing phases. According to Poslavsky, around 300 laboratories have been leveraging the beta, with approximately 20 applications already developed through the platform to date.
“The core features of the platform centre around our innovative organic and bioinformatics capabilities, which have gained significant popularity.” . . With corporations and individuals concerned with immune system remedy developments. Despite this, we still need to consider. . . A diverse range of partnerships and experts are poised to share their knowledge on the platform, comprising both academic and industry professionals,” he explains.
The startup, founded in 2021, is set to announce a $10 million Series A funding round aimed at fueling its growth strategy, with a focus on investing in community development initiatives.
“The key driver for increasing revenue lies in introducing new opportunities and incentivizing existing partners to collaborate with us.” We’re hiring extra engineers. We’re seeking developer advocates to foster expertise within the academic community – primarily focused on the educational ecosystem – since most bioinformatics software is developed in academia.
“For the next 12 months, we will focus on propagating our expertise throughout the community, empowering neighbors to develop their own apps, integrate existing ones, and share them through our platform,” he explains.
Mila Laboratories’ Sequence A round is spearheaded by Madrid-based Kfund, with significant backing from a diverse group of investors, including Acrobator Ventures, EGB Capital, Courtyard Ventures, Somersault Ventures, Speedinvest, and Ten13.
“In a recent press release, Miguel Arias, a key partner at Kfund, emphasized that investing in platforms that facilitate connections between bioinformaticians and biologists – two groups often disparate in their needs – lies at the very heart of our fund’s mission.” Democratizing access to complex knowledge holds tremendous potential for supplying immunological insights.
MILaboratories provides its software program at no cost to educators, while also generating revenue through a paid model for commercial clients. According to Per Poslavsky, the startup has reached a milestone of nearly 100 qualified leads by this point in their journey.
The CEO highlights the company’s key clients, citing prominent pharmaceutical firms such as Moderna and Bristol-Myers Squibb. He emphasizes that their financial stability has improved significantly, allowing them to reduce reliance on corporate funding.
In January 2022, the startup successfully closed a $2.5 million seed round financing. Prior to its main funding round, the startup had secured a modest pre-seed investment from a select group of angel investors.
To develop a robust computational biology platform, Poslavsky highlights the daunting task of handling the exponentially growing volume of data generated by next-generation sequencing (NGS). He stresses that careful attention must be devoted to optimizing processing efficiency to avoid “astronomical costs”.
“The sheer volume of data produced within the household is staggering, to say the least.” What’s at stake? As massive pharmaceutical corporations, our future. . . They possess vast amounts of genomic data, totaling in petabytes, accumulated thus far. In order that’s large scale.”
MiLaboratories has cultivated a “very subtle” and mathematically verified expertise, permitting for a wide range of calculations to be executed in an optimally streamlined manner. According to Poslavsky, this patented technology enables the platform to achieve a remarkable 10-fold increase in efficiency relative to other computational workflows.
“That’s an important factor. While remaining unseen by biologists, the value lies in the entrepreneurial imperative: “I need to understand how users interact with my product.”
Poslavsky astutely names his competitor, likening Nextflow to the closest rival in terms of reputation and value proposition. There are also open-source tools for next-generation sequencing (NGS) processing, such as, but MiLaboratories believes that its platform offers researchers a more accessible route to gaining valuable insights from their data.
