Mandrake Bio raises ₹16 crore to design gene-editing tools with AI
The Bengaluru startup is using generative models to design programmable enzymes for agricultural and medical gene-editing applications.
Mandrake Bio has raised ₹16 crore to develop AI-designed enzymes for gene editing, combining computational modelling with experimental biology across agriculture and medicine.
What happened
The Bengaluru-based startup raised the round from Activate and Antler India, with participation from Spectrum Impact, DeVC and several angel investors.
Mandrake is developing programmable gene-editing enzymes. Its platform uses generative AI to propose or optimise proteins intended to target specific biological sequences.
The company plans to apply the technology across agricultural and medical use cases. The announcement did not provide detailed performance data or identify a lead therapeutic or crop programme.
Why it matters
Gene-editing systems depend on enzymes that can find the intended sequence and make a precise change without creating harmful off-target effects.
Traditional discovery requires extensive laboratory iteration. AI could help researchers explore a much larger design space and prioritise candidates before testing them experimentally.
The bigger picture
AI-generated protein designs are hypotheses, not finished products. Mandrake must validate that its enzymes work inside cells, remain stable, reach the correct target and avoid unintended edits.
Agricultural and medical applications also face different regulatory and commercial pathways. The company’s broad platform approach creates multiple opportunities, but it may need to focus on a narrow initial use case to produce convincing biological evidence.
The round is therefore an early bet on a potentially powerful design engine, with experimental validation—not model output—determining its real value.