Google.org has named the recipients of its AI for Science awards, a programme supporting organisations using artificial intelligence to accelerate discovery in areas ranging from health and sustainability to advanced manufacturing.
Among the awardees is Spore.Bio, a France-based deeptech startup whose AI-driven approach to rapid microbiology aligns with growing demand for faster, data-driven contamination control in regulated environments.
The AI for Science programme provides funding and technical support to teams tackling complex scientific challenges, with an emphasis on open science and sharing of tools and datasets to maximise impact.
Spore.Bio has developed an on-site system that uses AI and biophotonics to detect microbial contamination in real time, potentially reducing the time needed for conventional microbiology testing from days to under an hour.
The platform is aimed at pharmaceutical manufacturing and other highly regulated industries, where timely, reliable microbiological data is critical for batch release and contamination risk management.
Coinciding with the award, Spore.Bio announced the appointment of Dr Michael J. Miller as Vice President of Scientific & Regulatory Affairs.
Miller brings nearly 40 years of experience in pharmaceutical microbiology, contamination control, and validation of rapid methods.
He has held senior roles at Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly and Company, and Bausch & Lomb, advised the USP Microbiology Expert Committee, authored over 100 technical publications, and serves on multiple editorial boards.
He is also chairing the revision of PDA Technical Report No. 33, which sets industry criteria for alternative and rapid microbiological methods.
At Spore.Bio, Miller will oversee scientific strategy, validation frameworks, and regulatory engagement as the company prepares to scale its rapid microbiology platform globally.
Founded in 2023, Spore.Bio has raised €29.9m in venture funding to date.
The company is preparing further announcements, including presentations at upcoming international microbiology and pharmaceutical quality conferences.