The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology announced on 12 May that London-based Isomorphic Labs has received investment from the UK Government’s Sovereign AI Fund as part of a new fundraising round supporting the company’s AI-driven medicine development work.
Isomorphic Labs was founded in London by Sir Demis Hassabis and focuses on using frontier artificial intelligence systems to design and develop medicines targeting serious diseases. The company forms part of the UK’s expanding AI and life sciences sector, which the government has identified as a strategic growth area.
The investment was confirmed as part of a wider fundraising announcement by the company and follows the launch of the Sovereign AI programme last month. The government said the initiative is intended to help promising UK AI firms grow and scale domestically while supporting economic development and job creation.
Sovereign AI Invests in Isomorphic Labs
The government said Isomorphic Labs is the latest company to receive support through the Sovereign AI Fund, which provides backing for UK-based artificial intelligence businesses. The investment forms part of wider efforts to strengthen domestic AI capability and support commercial growth among UK-based firms.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology described Sovereign AI as a venture capital initiative designed to support early-stage and growth-stage companies operating within the UK. The programme launched in April and has now supported multiple firms through equity investment and access to computing resources.
- Investment Focus: Sovereign AI targets UK-based AI companies operating at early and growth stages.
- Programme Scope: The initiative combines direct investment support with broader AI infrastructure assistance.
Company Focus on AI-Driven Medicine Development
Isomorphic Labs develops artificial intelligence systems designed to accelerate medicine discovery and development across different therapeutic areas. The company said its systems are designed to support faster drug design and medicine development processes across multiple therapeutic areas.
The business builds on research associated with AlphaFold, the AI model developed by DeepMind for predicting protein structures. The Government said Isomorphic Labs is now developing additional proprietary AI systems to support wider drug design activity.
- Headquarters: Isomorphic Labs is founded and headquartered in London.
- Founder: The company was established by Sir Demis Hassabis, whose AI research has received international recognition.
Government Strategy for Sovereign AI
Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the government wants to support companies developing AI technologies with practical applications across healthcare and science. The Sovereign AI initiative is intended to help companies remain based and expand within the UK.
Great Britain currently has the third-largest AI market globally and more AI startups than any other European country. Additional investment and infrastructure support are intended to maintain growth within the domestic AI sector.
AlphaFold and Isomorphic’s Technology Development
The government referenced AlphaFold as a major scientific development connected to the company’s work in AI-assisted biology and medicine research. The technology demonstrated how artificial intelligence can support scientific understanding of protein structures.
Isomorphic Labs is now developing multiple AI models that together form its wider drug design system. The company’s work covers several therapeutic areas and different forms of medicine development.
Expansion of Sovereign AI Backing
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology confirmed that Isomorphic Labs is the third startup to receive equity investment through Sovereign AI since the programme launched. Officials also stated that nine companies have now received some form of support through the initiative, including access to compute infrastructure.
The government said all supported companies maintain a meaningful presence within the UK and are expected to contribute to domestic economic activity. Supported firms are also expected to contribute to employment growth and wider AI-sector development within the UK.
Sovereign AI Programme Overview
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Sovereign AI Equity Investments | 3 companies supported | Department for Science, Innovation and Technology figures released on 12 May. |
| Total Supported Startups | 9 companies supported | Includes firms receiving compute access and other programme assistance. |
| Investment Range | £1–10 million typical range | Government guidance for early and growth-stage investment activity. |
Stakeholder Comments
Liz Kendall, Science and Technology Secretary said;
“Isomorphic Labs’ ground-breaking work has the potential to reshape completely how medicines are discovered – cutting years off development and giving real hope to people living with devastating diseases. This is AI at its very best – pushing the boundaries of innovation to improve people’s lives.”
“Britain has a proud history of world-changing medical breakthroughs – from penicillin to MRI scanners. Now in the AI era, we are backing a brilliant UK firm working on another huge jump forward in science to the benefit of people across the country and around the world.”
Joséphine Kant, Sovereign AI Head of Ventures said;
“Isomorphic is one of the most consequential companies being built anywhere in the world today, and it’s being built in Britain. Sovereign AI exists to invest in the companies that will shape what this country becomes next.”
The government’s investment in Isomorphic Labs through the Sovereign AI Fund reflects continued efforts to expand Britain’s domestic artificial intelligence sector while supporting research-focused companies operating within healthcare and science. The programme is intended to help UK-based AI firms scale domestically, encourage innovation and maintain economic activity linked to emerging technologies, with Isomorphic Labs becoming the latest company to receive backing through the initiative.
Sources: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and The Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
