On Feb 19, Aobo (Wuhan) Biotechnology Co signed an agreement with the Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone (Optics Valley of China, or OVC) to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Protein Design and Transformation Research Center in OVC.

Aobo Biotechnology was co-founded by Michael Levitt, winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and Ma Jianpeng, a scientist on the World's Top 2% Scientists List.

Ma Jianpeng and Michael Levitt. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

The research center, which will focus on protein design and biomanufacturing, will provide a core innovative platform for drug research, helping OVC become a global beacon of "AI + Biomanufacturing".

The entire process took just over two months, from initial negotiation and company registration to signing the research center agreement. Ma spoke highly of the business environment in OVC, saying, "OVC not only offers efficient and convenient enterprise services but also possesses policy and talent advantages in fields like AI and synthetic biology. We are confident in developing here."

"Wuhan has a vibrant innovation ecosystem. We look forward to our collaboration not only enhancing Wuhan's global influence in AI protein design but also creating a talent development hub with international demonstration effects and a platform for multinational research cooperation," said Levitt.

An official from OVC stated that the settlement of Aobo Biotechnology and its research center will help OVC establish a benchmark in the AI protein design industry. OVC will actively provide policy and talent support for companies, promote project development, and further enhance the internal circulation of the biopharmaceutical industry.