Apheris Raises $8.25M to Securely Unlock Health Data for AI
Apheris, a German startup, has secured $8.25 million in Series A funding to address the challenge of accessing sensitive health data for AI development. The company uses federated computing, a decentralized approach that allows AI models to be trained on data without moving it, ensuring patient privacy and regulatory compliance. This approach directly addresses the core problem of data accessibility in AI development for life sciences and pharmaceuticals.
How Apheris Works
Apheris's software, the Apheris Compute Gateway, acts as a bridge between local data and AI models. Computations are performed where the data resides, and only the results are shared centrally. This method protects sensitive information while enabling collaborative AI development. The platform also integrates with other privacy-enhancing technologies like homomorphic encryption and differential privacy.
Focus on Pharma and Life Sciences
After pivoting in 2023 to focus on data owners in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors, Apheris has found significant success. The company has multiplied its revenue by four since launching its new product and has secured partnerships with major players like Roche and several hospitals. The new funding will be used to expand the team and further develop the platform.
Federated Computing's Growing Importance
Federated computing is gaining traction as a key component in emerging federated data networks. This approach aligns with the growing need for secure data sharing in industries like healthcare. Apheris aims to be a central player in this evolving landscape, facilitating secure and efficient AI development. For more on data security and privacy, see Telegram's New Decentralized Verification System.
Apheris's Role in AI-Driven Drug Discovery
The Apheris platform is already being used by the AI Structural Biology (AISB) Consortium, a collaborative initiative involving companies like AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Johnson & Johnson, and Sanofi. The consortium focuses on using AI for drug discovery, an area where secure data sharing is crucial. Apheris's technology enables this collaboration while safeguarding sensitive data. This aligns with the broader trend of using AI in healthcare, as discussed in AI-Powered Phishing: A New Threat.
Future Directions
With the new funding, Apheris plans to focus on protein complex prediction, an area with limited public data. The company aims to unlock the potential of valuable, diverse data held by life sciences companies by providing a secure platform for collaboration. This focus on secure data sharing is critical for advancing AI in healthcare, similar to the advancements in other tech sectors, such as those discussed in Apple TV+ 2024: Content Surge and Strategic Shifts.