Imperagen has announced a £5 million seed funding round led by PXN Ventures, with participation from IQ Capital and Northern Gritstone, as the biotech startup accelerates its mission to modernize enzyme engineering through artificial intelligence and quantum-based simulation technology.
Founded in 2021 by Manchester Institute of Biotechnology scientists Dr. Andrew Currin, Dr. Tim Eyes, and Dr. Andy Almond, the company is focused on replacing the traditionally slow trial-and-error approach used in enzyme development with a faster, more scalable computational system. Its platform combines quantum physics simulations, AI-driven predictive modeling, robotics, and automated experimentation to analyze millions of enzyme mutations digitally before validating them in the lab.
The company believes this closed-loop approach could significantly improve industries that rely heavily on enzymes, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food production, and sustainable manufacturing. By speeding up enzyme engineering, Imperagen aims to help businesses develop cleaner, safer, and more efficient bio-based products while reducing both cost and development timelines.
Imperagen also announced the appointment of Guy Levy-Yurista as CEO. The new funding will support expansion of the company’s AI infrastructure, laboratory capabilities, commercial partnerships, and hiring of additional AI specialists as it works toward scaling its biocatalysis platform globally.