Shift Bioscience opens Canada office

Shift Bioscience, the Cambridge-based biotech company using an AI powered virtual cell to fight age-related diseases, has established a team and facilities in Toronto, Canada.

The team will be led by Lucas Camillo, head of machine learning, with Professor Bo Wang appointed as senior advisor. By expanding into this AI hub, the company “gains access to top machine learning talent, enabling it to further strengthen its IP portfolio and develop new capabilities for its virtual cell platform”.

Prof Wang is currently assistant professor at the University of Toronto, where his lab develops machine learning algorithms for applications, including clinical tools for personalised patient care, and cell simulation.

“North America boasts some of the world’s most successful AI companies, and the importance of being able to access the region’s extensive talent pool cannot be understated,” said Lucas Camillo, head of machine learning, Shift Bioscience. “I look forward to working closely with Bo to build out a world-class team of machine learning scientists, and to continue development of our virtual cell platform as an invaluable tool to unlock new gene targets that could potentially treat even the most debilitating of age-related diseases.”

Prof Wang said: “Embracing the transformative power of AI is crucial to developing innovative treatments that can transform patient care. Shift Bioscience’s virtual cell technology is doing just that, unlocking new gene targets that have the potential to address the growing burden of age-related diseases.

“I’m pleased to be joining the team, and to draw on my experience in cell simulation to accelerate the development of the company’s powerful virtual cell platform.”

Establishing a presence in North America has formed a key part of the Shift Bioscience’s AI-focused strategy since closing a $16m seed funding round in October 2024.