France’s Living Models Raises $7M To Build AI Foundation Models

The company focuses on AI models trained on DNA, RNA, and multi-omics data to improve understanding of biological systems.

To support its next phase, Living Models has secured access to a 120-GPU NVIDIA B200 computing cluster for training its next-generation biological AI models.

The company builds large-scale transformer models trained on genomic, transcriptomic, and other biological datasets to analyze patterns in living organisms. With teams in Paris and Berkeley, Living Models unites researchers in artificial intelligence and plant science to apply machine learning to biological research and agricultural innovation.

While AI has transformed industries like finance, software, and content creation, its application in agriculture and food production is still emerging. Living Models targets this space, applying AI to plant biology to enhance crop resilience and productivity, addressing challenges posed by climate change.

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As part of its launch, the company introduced BOTANIC, a family of transformer models trained on genomic sequences from multiple plant species. BOTANIC analyzes biological data to identify genetic markers linked to traits such as climate resilience and disease resistance, helping seed and agricultural companies accelerate the development of improved crop varieties.

Traditional crop breeding cycles can take many years, largely because identifying promising genetic traits is time-consuming. Living Models seeks to accelerate the early stages of this process by using computational analysis of genomic data, helping researchers focus on the most relevant genetic variants before moving to field validation.

Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its foundation models for biological systems beyond plants. It began with plant biology due to the availability of large genomic datasets, faster validation cycles compared with other life-science fields, and the growing need for technologies that support climate-resilient agriculture.

OpenAI trains on Reddit and Wikipedia to understand human language. We train on DNA, RNA, and gene expression to understand the language of life itself, said Cyril Véran, CEO and co-founder of Living Models.

About Living Models

Living Models, based in Paris and Berkeley, develops foundation models for biological sequences, including DNA, RNA, and multi-omics data. Unlike traditional AI models for language Living Models applies large-scale machine learning to living systems, enabling researchers to analyze genetic patterns, accelerate discoveries and advance applications in plant science and broader biology.