# OpenAI Researcher Launches AI Drug Discovery Startup Miles Wang leaves OpenAI to start a new venture focused on AI-driven drug discovery. - **Source:** [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com) - **Published:** 2026-07-15 - **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/842cf27f-c728-4df5-8036-799e80e9be0d ## Miles Wang's New Venture OpenAI researcher Miles Wang is launching a new startup to accelerate drug discovery using AI models. Wang is leaving OpenAI to focus on this new project and is expected to bring several researchers with him. ## Investor Interest Wang's startup aims to raise $200 million at a $2 billion valuation. Lightspeed is leading this funding round, highlighting the potential of AI in life sciences. ## Competing Ventures AI-driven drug discovery startups like Chai Discovery and Isomorphic Labs have also secured significant investments recently, showcasing the competition and growth potential in the sector. ## AI's Role in Drug Discovery AI models predict molecular interactions to speed up the discovery of new drugs. Additionally, finding new uses for FDA-approved drugs is a major advantage of this technology. ## Wang's Background Miles Wang left Harvard to join OpenAI, where he conducted research on AI models that automate scientific discovery. Investor confidence in young entrepreneurs also supports Wang's project. ## Future Expectations AI-driven drug discovery has the potential to revolutionize life sciences. Wang's venture could be a significant step forward, accelerating innovations in the industry. ## Sources covering this story - https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/14/openai-researcher-miles-wang-in-talks-to-launch-ai-drug-discovery-startup-valued-at-2b/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._