Imperagen, a Manchester-based deeptech company developing artificial intelligence solutions for enzyme engineering, has closed a €5.7 million seed funding round ($6.1 million). The raise was led by PXN Ventures, with participation from IQ Capital and Northern Gritstone.
The capital injection brings the company’s total funding to €9.8 million since its founding in 2021. Imperagen plans to deploy the fresh capital across several strategic priorities, including accelerating research and development of its core platform, scaling its wet laboratory capabilities, and establishing a dedicated go-to-market function to commercialize its technology.
Building on Quantum Physics and AI Integration
Imperagen’s technology combines quantum physics simulations, machine learning model training, and automated robotics within a closed-loop system designed to improve enzyme designs and performance. The approach represents a novel intersection of computational modeling and practical laboratory validation, addressing a significant challenge in biotechnology where enzyme optimization traditionally requires extensive experimentation.
The company has also announced the appointment of Guy Levy-Yurista, PhD, as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Levy-Yurista brings significant experience in building deep technology companies within the life sciences sector.
CEO Vision for AI-Native Biotech
Commenting on his appointment and the company’s strategic direction, Levy-Yurista stated: “What I see right now is that the companies that will make a radical difference in this emerging AI-driven future are all AI-native, lean on real-world data, have genuine impact, and are fundamentally deep tech. Imperagen has each of those characteristics, combining them with outstanding people, phenomenal technology and the undeniable swagger you only get from Manchester.”
The expanded funding will enable Imperagen to strengthen its in-house artificial intelligence team, a critical component for advancing its enzyme engineering platform. The company’s approach of integrating computational predictions with practical wet laboratory validation positions it within the growing category of AI-native biotech companies that leverage computational modeling to reduce development timelines and costs.
European Deeptech Momentum
The funding round reflects broader momentum in European deeptech and biotechnology sectors, where investors are increasingly backing companies that combine advanced computational techniques with traditional laboratory sciences. Manchester has emerged as a notable hub for such ventures, attracting both talent and capital interested in physics-informed AI applications.
As enzyme engineering remains central to numerous industrial biotechnology applications—from sustainable chemical production to biofuel development—companies like Imperagen that can accelerate the optimization process may unlock significant commercial opportunities. The combination of quantum physics-based modeling with machine learning represents a differentiated approach in a space where multiple teams globally are exploring AI applications for molecular design.