OpenAI's Kevin Weil launches Warp Sciences to roboticize drug discovery labs

Kevin Weil, who previously led science efforts at OpenAI, has unveiled Warp Sciences, an artificial intelligence company built to handle the repetitive work of drug development through robotic automation. The startup employs trained robots to synthesize and evaluate chemical compounds that researchers have identified as potentially valuable, Weil disclosed via X. In its initial funding round, the company raised $215 million and reached an $865 million valuation.

Lightspeed led the funding round, joined by investors including IVP, Premji Invest, and Lux Capital.

The pharmaceutical industry has long depended on outsourcing the most demanding aspects of molecular synthesis—producing thousands of molecular variants—to contract manufacturers overseas, particularly WuXi AppTec in China. Weil's vision for Warp Sciences centers on bringing this work back to domestic operations and reducing exposure to geopolitical disruptions in supply chains that could threaten drug development timelines.

The company's approach involves equipping human chemists with cameras and sensor-enabled gloves to instruct robots in executing laboratory procedures. Through this automation of wet-lab operations, Warp Sciences intends to speed up the pace of drug discovery by deploying robots capable of working continuously without interruption.