Inside Helical: Bio Foundation Models, Virtual Cells, and the Future of AI-Native Drug Discovery

In this episode of Tech and Drugs, Thibault Geoui interviews Rick Schneider, CEO of Helical, about the use of AI foundation models in drug discovery. Rick discusses Helical's mission to democratize bio foundation models, making AI tools accessible to pharma and biotech companies. He explains what foundation models are, how they differ from traditional AI algorithms, and their applications in biology and drug development. The conversation covers the challenges of working with pharma companies, including data quality and cultural barriers, and Helical's approach to addressing these challenges through open-source platforms and collaboration. Rick shares his inspiration for starting Helical and his vision for the future of AI in pharma, emphasizing the importance of speed and innovation in bringing drugs to market faster.