Daina Tech Raises $14M for AI Labs

Daina Technology, a trailblazer in AI-driven laboratory automation, has successfully closed a Series B+ funding round, securing nearly 100 million yuan (approximately $14 million USD). This significant capital infusion was co-led by the Beijing New Materials Industry Investment Fund, managed by Shunxi Fund, and the Fengze Zhiyuan Industry Cultivation Fund of Fengtai District, Beijing, underscoring strong investor confidence in the company's vision for fully autonomous research environments.

Founded in 2011 by industry veteran Chi Haipeng, who previously held a key role at Thermo Fisher Scientific China's New Laboratory Business Department, Daina Technology is at the forefront of developing "lights-out laboratories." These advanced facilities leverage artificial intelligence to enable completely unmanned, closed-loop R&D operations. The company's strategic focus on building AI4S (AI for Science) infrastructure aims to fundamentally reshape research and development processes across a diverse range of industries.

Daina Technology's impressive growth trajectory is highlighted by an annual compound growth rate exceeding 100% in its lights-out laboratory business over the past two years. This rapid expansion is a testament to the increasing demand for efficient, data-driven research solutions. The company's client roster includes major state-owned enterprises such as PetroChina, Sinopec, CNOOC, and National Energy Group, alongside global giants like Unilever, Nestle, and SABIC, demonstrating the broad applicability and trust placed in their innovative offerings.

The newly acquired funds are earmarked for critical strategic initiatives. A substantial portion will be dedicated to advancing core technology, enhancing production capabilities, and fostering collaborative development. Notably, Daina Technology plans to partner with Beijing University of Chemical Technology to establish the world's first Contract Research Organization (CRO) platform specifically for new materials, accelerating the commercialization of AI-powered R&D services in this vital sector. This collaboration is expected to significantly shorten the innovation cycle for novel materials.

Daina Technology's comprehensive service suite encompasses the entire lifecycle of lights-out laboratory deployment, from initial design and intelligent environment construction to AI model development and end-to-end operational management. Their proprietary chromatographic self-recognition systems, designed for spectrum optimization, further enhance the automation and precision of their laboratory solutions. These advanced capabilities are crucial for sectors such as chemistry, new materials, new energy, biopharmaceuticals, and food, where precision and efficiency are paramount.

The company's commitment to domestic innovation is also a key differentiator. Daina Technology stands as the first Chinese entity to successfully conceptualize and deliver a lights-out laboratory solution with complete domestic manufacturing and deployment capacity. This achievement positions them as a leader in China's rapidly evolving scientific research and development ecosystem, aligning with national objectives for technological self-reliance and advancement in high-tech fields.