Current Initiatives
AI2050: Developing open-source AI models for optimal drug discovery in Africa
An initiative of Schmidt Sciences, AI2050 seeks to ensure Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) benefit to society by supporting the work of individuals who are harnessing AI to solve the hardest problems in their respective fields. In 2023, H3D Foundation CEO Prof Kelly Chibale was selected as one of seven Schmidt Futures AI2050 Senior Fellows.
This fellowship will support the H3D Foundation’s mission to unlock sustainable drug discovery in Africa in collaboration with Ersilia Open-Source Initiative (EOSI). The research to be undertaken seeks to use AI to solve the problem of suboptimal efficacy and safety of medicines used in African populations.
“The approach we will take involves two techniques that have not been tried before, namely: linking AI to existing modelling tools used in human dose prediction for clinical trials and boosting the development of ready-to-use AI models for drug discovery in Africa,” says Prof Kelly Chibale.
Project components:
- AI/ML Modelling for permeability
- Mtb enzyme metabolism and bioaccumulation
- In vitro experiments measuring clearance and bioaccumulation of drugs by Mtb
- PBPK Modelling for various study drugs
- Deployment of models to drive long-term impact and adoption
- Workshops to support adoption of the tools


