By Brendan Frey
June 18, 2025
Frey is founder and chief innovation officer of Deep Genomics.
In a time of relentless AI hype and mounting global economic uncertainty, the real winners will be those who think long-term. One of the most transformative opportunities lies in building AI that can decode biology, promising not just massive returns, but a profound impact on global health.
In the 1990s, after co-inventing deep learning systems that underlie modern AI chatbots, I turned my attention to AI for decoding biology and designing genetic medicines. I’ve experienced the arc of this field over 20 years, from a time before AI therapeutics startups existed.
Someone recently asked me whether I have doubts about AI’s impact on drug discovery, given the breathless ups and downs of popular opinion. My answer was a steadfast “No!” In fact, I’m more enthusiastic than ever about where we’re headed.
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