The Biotech Startups Podcast

🧬eMalick Njie, Ph.D - Ecotone - Part 4 | Building Ecotone AI to Cure Rare Diseases | Diffusion Transformers in Genomics | Synthetic Genomes for AI Training | Long-Term Vision for Genetic Breakthroughs

Oct 17, 2024

eMalick Njie, CEO of Ecotone AI, is an accomplished scientist with a PhD in Neurobiology who blends AI and healthcare. He discusses Ecotone's innovative use of AI to decode human genomes and target rare diseases. The conversation highlights the adoption of diffusion transformers to model genomes and create synthetic data. eMalick emphasizes intentional company building and shares insights on sustainable growth in biotech. The discussion also touches on the importance of mentorship and self-care in navigating a career in the industry.

30:41

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eMalick Njie

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Quick takeaways

Ecotone AI harnesses diffusion transformers to enhance genome modeling, enabling improved understanding and treatment of rare genetic diseases.

The company's intentional approach to team building fosters a strong culture and alignment with their mission to cure genetic disorders.

Deep dives

Ecotone AI's Mission and Vision

Ecotone AI aims to leverage artificial intelligence to address rare genetic diseases, believing that understanding the human genome is crucial for this mission. With around 10,000 rare genetic diseases affecting nearly one in eight individuals, the company focuses on using AI to decode the complex language of genetic data. They aspire to develop a model that identifies specific genomic locations linked to diseases, which would allow for targeted remedies using techniques such as CRISPR. This proactive approach positions Ecotone not just as a medical entity, but as a pivotal AI company that could partner with innovators in the biotech space.

Intro

2min

AI Innovations in Genetic Medicine

10min

Building Ecotone: Genomics and Innovation

12min

Reflections on Growth, Support, and Self-Care in Biotechnology

6min

Conclusion and Preview of Upcoming Series

2min

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Part 4 of 4: Jon Chee hosts our latest guest, eMalick Njie, CEO of Ecotone AI, a healthcare company that is using AI to find cures for inherited diseases. eMalick is an experienced scientist and entrepreneur who has focused on blending his expertise in neuroscience with his knowledge of AI.

In addition to founding two AI companies, Ecotone and Genetic Intelligence, eMalick received his PhD in Neurobiology and Neuroscience from the University of Florida. His extensive and diverse experience from being a postdoctoral fellow at Columbia university to being the CEO of the AI thinktank NeuroStorm makes our conversation with him one you won’t want to miss.

Join us this week to hear about:

Ecotone AI's mission: leveraging AI to decode the human genome and address rare genetic diseases.
Ecotone's approach: using diffusion transformers to model genomes and generate synthetic genomic data.
eMalick’s focus on intentional company building to ensure sustainable growth.
Ecotone’s upcoming advancements in AI and genetics.

Please enjoy Jon’s conversation with Dr. eMalick Njie.

Subscribe to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-biotech-startups-podcast/id1679591994

Find Our Guest, Barbara Alcaraz Silva, at these links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emalick-njie-ph-d-ab82348/

https://ecotone.ai/

Find Our Host, Jon Chee, at these links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonchee

https://www.excedr.com

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