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Variational AI Accelerates Global Drug Discovery with Generative AI

ENKI AI

B.C.’s Strength in AI and Life Sciences

British Columbia (B.C.) is a powerhouse of innovation, combining Canada’s fastest-growing life sciences sector with one of North America’s most dynamic artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystems. With world-class talent, cutting-edge research and strong commercial capabilities, B.C. is driving breakthroughs in healthcare, biotechnology and digital technologies. Among the companies leading this transformation is Vancouver-based Variational AI, a company pioneering the use of AI in drug discovery.

Transforming Drug Discovery

Founded in 2019, Variational AI brings together a team of experienced AI/machine learning researchers along with medicinal and computational chemists to make the process of discovering new medicines vastly more efficient. The company has developed a technology platform called Enki™, which uses generative AI to design entirely new drug candidates. Enki™ directly addresses the main challenges in early-stage drug discovery by inventing novel molecules with all the necessary properties to rapidly advance to clinical trials with a higher probability of success.

Artificial Intelligeince VAI

 

This innovative approach is already showing results. In 2021, Variational AI received funding from the DIGITAL Supercluster to apply Enki™ to discover novel COVID-19 drugs with the University of British Columbia and adMare BioInnovations, a national organization driving life sciences innovation in Canada. (For more on adMare’s impact, see our earlier article.) The results have been patented. More recently, collaborations with Rakovina Therapeutics, a Vancouver-based company advancing new cancer treatments, and ImmVue Therapeutics, a Canadian biotech developing safer and more effective immunotherapies, have led to the discovery of new drug candidates.

Earlier this year, the company closed a $5.5 million oversubscribed round led by Nimbus Synergies, a Vancouver-based health technology investment firm that supports early-stage companies driving healthcare innovation, with participation from Merck Global Health Innovation Fund, positioning it for global expansion.

Showcasing Innovation Worldwide

Variational AI actively showcases its technology at international events, including attending the BIO International Convention since 2021. At BIO 2025 in Boston, the company announced a co-development agreement with Oncocross, a Korean clinical-stage biotech company that applies AI to accelerate drug development. Together, they will combine Oncocross’s RAPTOR AI™ platform with Enki™ to pursue new treatments for atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition.

The company also joined the Canada Life Sciences Business Delegation at BIO Korea 2025, where the company met with partners and highlighted how generative AI is reshaping early-stage drug discovery. Looking ahead, Variational AI will continue its global outreach by participating in BIO Japan and BIO Europe this fall.

Support from Trade and Invest B.C.

Trade and Invest BC (TIBC), together with its network of international Trade and Invest Representatives (TIRs), has played a pivotal role in supporting Variational AI’s global growth. From facilitating one-on-one business connections to providing market intelligence and on-the-ground support at international trade shows, the TIR network has helped amplify the company’s presence in key markets across the United States, Europe, Korea and Japan.

Recognition at Home

In addition to its international momentum, Variational AI was recently named Emerging Company of the Year – Biotech by Life Sciences BC, an organization that champions and supports the province’s life sciences community. The honour recognizes the company’s innovative approach to leveraging AI in drug discovery and its potential to transform how new therapies are developed. The award was presented at the 27th Annual Life Sciences BC Awards on October 2, 2025, at the Vancouver Convention Centre West.

“This award is a testament to the remarkable work of our team and the potential of generative AI to transform how new therapies are discovered,” said Handol Kim, CEO of Variational AI.

Driving B.C.’s Global Innovation

Variational AI’s success reflects the strength of B.C.’s innovation ecosystem, where artificial intelligence and life sciences intersect to create global impact. With government support and international partnerships, companies like Variational AI are helping position B.C. as a leader in the future of healthcare and biotechnology.

Connect with us to learn more about how Trade and Invest B.C. can help your business grow internationally. Whether you’re exploring new markets or scaling your global reach, our team is here to support your success every step of the way.

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Trade and Invest BC helps facilitate foreign direct investment and has Trade and Investment Representatives in markets around the world. Contact the representative nearest you for support in investing in British Columbia.