Former OpenAI science lead launches Warp Science to automate wet labs with robots
News Source
โขThu, 22 Oct 2026 18:38:47 +0000
๐ฐ What Happened
Kevin Weil, who used to lead science work at OpenAI, has started a new company called Warp Sciences. It uses robots to do lab work for drug discovery.
The startup has raised $215 million. That values the company at $865 million. Lightspeed led the round, with money from IVP, Premji Invest, and Lux Capital. Weil shared the news on X.
Human chemists wear cameras and sensor gloves while they work. The robots learn by watching them. Then the robots can make and test molecules around the clock.
๐ The Backstory
For years, biotech firms sent slow, repeated lab work to contractors in China, such as WuXi AppTec. That work means making thousands of tiny changes to a molecule to see which version works.
Weil wants to bring that work back to the United States. He says leaning on overseas suppliers puts drug development at risk from political and shipping problems.
Robots that never sleep could also speed up the search. A human lab runs for one shift. A robot lab can keep going all night.
๐ฏ Why It Matters
New drugs take years and cost billions. Faster lab work could mean treatments reach patients sooner, with less reliance on foreign suppliers.
Kevin Weil, who used to lead science work at OpenAI, has started a new company called Warp Sciences. It uses robots to do lab work for drug discovery.
The startup has raised $215 million. That values the company at $865 million. Lightspeed led the round, with money from IVP, Premji Invest, and Lux Capital. Weil shared the news on X.
Human chemists wear cameras and sensor gloves while they work. The robots learn by watching them. Then the robots can make and test molecules around the clock.
For years, biotech firms sent slow, repeated lab work to contractors in China, such as WuXi AppTec. That work means making thousands of tiny changes to a molecule to see which version works.
Weil wants to bring that work back to the United States. He says leaning on overseas suppliers puts drug development at risk from political and shipping problems.
Robots that never sleep could also speed up the search. A human lab runs for one shift. A robot lab can keep going all night.
New drugs take years and cost billions. Faster lab work could mean treatments reach patients sooner, with less reliance on foreign suppliers.