Umami Bioworks has introduced a new AI-powered tool designed to transform research in aquaculture and marine biotechnology. The company’s Virtual Marine Cell, a cutting-edge metabolic model, enables researchers to simulate and predict the behavior of aquatic cells with unparalleled precision, marking a major advancement in marine science and biotechnology.
“Marine biology has never had a computational engine like this.”
The platform models how aquatic cells from species like tuna, salmon, and eel grow, respond to environmental factors, and produce essential compounds. By utilizing augmented intelligence and machine learning, the Virtual Marine Cell moves beyond traditional trial-and-error experimentation, providing immediate insights into cellular processes and allowing for faster innovation in cultivated seafood production, and marine bioactive discovery.
Accelerating bioactive discovery
Marine bioactives are used in the production of skincare, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals. Traditional methods of discovering marine-derived molecules have been slow and costly, but the Virtual Marine Cell can quickly identify promising bioactive compounds by simulating metabolic pathways. This ability to perform in-silico screenings in a fraction of the time is expected to accelerate the development of new products across multiple sectors.
Founded in Singapore, Umami Bioworks is a biotechnology company focused on harnessing AI and computational modeling to create sustainable marine products. Its platforms are designed to accelerate research and development while reducing reliance on resource extraction, providing a more sustainable alternative to traditional methods.
A new tool for marine research
The introduction of this tool positions Umami Bioworks as a key player in the emerging field of AI-enabled biotechnology, helping companies reduce risks and lower the costs associated with marine research. Umami Bioworks is already collaborating with several leading firms in biotechnology and consumer goods to apply the Virtual Marine Cell in real-world applications.
The company recently expanded into the beauty sector and announced a partnership with Friends & Family Pet Food Company to introduce cultivated pet food into international markets.
“Marine biology has never had a computational engine like this. The Virtual Marine Cell lets the industry move with software speed instead of lab-bench speed,” said Ashwath Bendre, Product Manager at Umami Bioworks.
