OpenAI invests in Red Queen Bio to counter AI-powered bioweapons

Investing.com -- ChatGPT maker OpenAI announced Thursday it will lead a $15 million seed investment in Red Queen Bio, a startup focused on preventing artificial intelligence from being used to create biological weapons.

The investment aligns with OpenAI’s strategy to support companies working to mitigate AI risks. Red Queen Bio aims to ensure defensive capabilities keep pace with those who might exploit AI models for harmful purposes, according to co-founder Hannu Rajaniemi.

This funding follows OpenAI’s recent investment in Valthos, a New York-based biosecurity software startup. Jason Kwon, OpenAI’s Chief Strategy Officer, indicated the company would consider backing additional startups addressing similar concerns.

"We want to increase the overall resilience of the overall ecosystem," Kwon said. "One of the best ways you can deal with the risk mitigation is more technology."

Red Queen Bio was created as a spinoff from Helix Nano, a clinical-stage mRNA therapeutics company that incorporates AI in drug design. Helix Nano has collaborated with OpenAI on testing to assess AI’s potential biological risks.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and board member Nicole Seligman, who previously invested in Helix Nano, will receive shares in Red Queen Bio as part of the deal. Kwon holds an indirect stake through Y Combinator valued at less than $2,500, according to OpenAI.

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