Short Industry Project (SIP) with Life3 Biotech

Identified Problem

Life3 Biotech, a biotechnology startup, focuses on the upstream production of microorganisms with high-value compounds and the downstream processing of these raw ingredients. The manual analysis of microalgae, which are 2 to 4 microns in size (smaller than a strand of hair), including cell counting and size characterization, is a very long and labor-intensive process. There is a need to automate this process to reduce manpower requirements.

AI Solution

Life3 Biotech collaborated with AI Singapore to develop an AI model using machine learning, specifically computer vision, to analyze microscopic images of microalgae. This AI model automates the analysis, streamlining the process and optimizing resource allocation throughout the production cycle. The focus of the AI model is on the analysis of micro LG microscopic images to identify and count cells.

Key Features

• The AI model uses machine learning and computer vision to analyze microscopic images of microalgae.
• The AI algorithms help in cell counting and characterization of the size of cells.

Benefits of AI Solution

• The AI model has significantly reduced the quality control process time from 1.5 hours to 3 minutes per cycle.
• The AI model has also increased the accuracy of the quality control process to 99%.
• The AI solution streamlines processes and optimizes resource allocation for the entire production cycle.
• The AI system helps in accelerating students’ learning as well as their capability exposure and hands-on application of AI as well as biotechnology.

Impact of AI Solution

• The AI system will be incorporated into an urban food production system to address food security issues by 2030.
• Life3 Biotech plans to bring its system to the region, beyond Singapore.
• An advanced system known as microalgae digital intelligence system (MAIS), to automate the entire process is in development.
• The project is the result of collaboration between scientists and AI engineers to create innovative solutions for the community.
• This project sets the foundation for future collaborative work to develop new AI capabilities.