ConnectingDNA was picked for the first Microsoft, NUS and BLOCK71 Gen AI cohort, then Microsoft for Startups.
SINGAPORE, 1 April 2024. ConnectingDNA has been selected for the inaugural Gen AI Accelerate Programme by Microsoft, the National University of Singapore and BLOCK71. It is one of ten start-ups in the programme’s first run, and has been granted exclusive use of a space at BLOCK71 in Singapore, NUS Enterprise’s start-up hub, to develop its technology.
What the programme is
The Generative AI Accelerate Programme was launched by NUS Enterprise through BLOCK71, in collaboration with Microsoft, for pre-Series A start-ups in ASEAN building on generative AI. It runs eight intensive weeks followed by 16 weeks of support, with mentoring from Microsoft professionals and introductions to the region’s investors and founders, according to NUS News.
Who is behind it
NUS Enterprise is the entrepreneurial arm of the National University of Singapore. Its BLOCK71 network has supported more than 1,600 start-ups since 2011, Carousell, PatSnap and ShopBack among them, and now runs 11 locations in six countries. Microsoft brings the AI platforms and the engineers.
“This collaboration strengthens that ambition by giving AI startups access to world-class technology, networks, and expertise.”
Dr Tan Sian Wee, Senior Vice President (Innovation and Enterprise), NUS
Can AI interpret DNA results?
AI can help interpret consumer DNA results by organising available traits, explaining them in everyday language and answering questions against the data a report actually contains. In ConnectingDNA’s Bio-Profile, AI is grounded in the user’s genome. It does not diagnose disease, and it cannot create traits that are missing from the uploaded report.
Then came Microsoft for Startups
On 29 April 2024 ConnectingDNA joined Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub, which added US$150,000 in Azure credits, technical support and mentoring.
The credits give the team room to test, improve and scale the technology behind the Bio-Profile.
What DNA-Wellness means
DNA-Wellness uses insights from your DNA to help personalise how you eat, exercise, sleep, recover and live. Understand what makes your body different, make smarter wellness choices, and discover what may work better for you.
