In a key point in its growth strategy, Exscientia, the innovative company at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven drug discovery, is expanding its Oxford presence to the new Schrödinger Building on The Oxford Science Park, one of the UK’s leading parks for science and technology companies. In its new facilities, Exscientia is bringing together its computer scientists, drug designers and biologists under one roof to allow it to rapidly expand its platform development and proprietary drug discovery portfolio. The move also allows the firm to expand its recruitment activities in Oxford. Exscientia is the third occupant of The Oxford Science Park’s new Schrödinger Building, and it expects to move in by the end of the year.
On the Park, Exscientia will be focusing on its technology and algorithm development in AI drug discovery projects, with the AI drug designers working closely with drug discovery scientists. This integration is expected to drive progress by rapidly generating new data to seed AI algorithms. In addition to developing its proprietary pipeline, Exscientia is working on projects with partners GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi and Evotec.
The company will be occupying 7750 sq ft of office and laboratory space in The Schrödinger Building. Exscientia currently has 19 employees based in Oxford and is expected to double this number over the next 12 months. In addition to moving in to the new Schrödinger Building, Exscientia is maintaining its corporate headquarters in Oxford city centre.
Professor Andrew Hopkins FRSE FRSC, CEO of Exscientia, said, “Oxford is a hotbed of innovation in biology, chemistry and computer science, with a creative and supportive life sciences community – rivalling the best knowledge hubs in the world. Exscientia prides itself on elegant design in our algorithms and drugs and we felt that The Schrödinger Building matched our corporate values of combining innovation and elegance in design. This represents an important element of our drive to recruit the best talent by providing a state-of-the-art creative working environment.”
Piers Scrimshaw-Wright, Managing Director of The Oxford Science Park, said, “It is clear that artificial intelligence is driving innovation across many parts of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector, and we are delighted that Exscientia has chosen to locate its innovative drug discovery activities here. Our impressive Schrödinger Building, named after the Nobel Prize-winning theoretical physicist, is a fitting location for this leading AI company. Exscientia brings an interesting interdisciplinary angle to the vibrant scientific and commercial network here, and we welcome it to The Oxford Science Park.”
Exscientia was advised by VSL & Partners; The Oxford Science Park was advised by Carter Jonas.
