When: January 22 @ 11:00 a.m.
Where: QNC 1501
Enveda: Machine Learning and Culture Driving Natural Product Discovery
Abstract:
Recent advances in tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), high-throughput screening, and machine learning are transforming small-molecule discovery. Together, they enable rapid identification of novel compounds from complex biological samples, expanding the chemical space accessible for drug discovery. Integrating high-dimensional metabolomics data with large language model driven interpretation now allows prediction of molecular structures and links to bioactivity assays. At Enveda, this approach determines the structures of previously unknown natural products in milliseconds; much faster than traditional isolation and NMR-based methods.
These technologies flourish within a culture built on openness and curiosity. Internal hackathons foster collaboration and creative problem solving across disciplines, helping our scientists and engineers grow together. External hackathons extend this spirit beyond our walls, connecting Enveda with the broader computational biology and machine learning communities and attracting new talent and ideas.
This talk offers a glimpse into both Enveda’s platform and the culture driving this transformation.
Biography
Christoph A. Krettler is a Senior Data Scientist at Enveda, where he contributes to building a high-throughput “chemical sequencing” platform that combines advanced instrumentation with machine learning to identify and characterize compounds at scale. He holds a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering and has conducted research in lipidomics and computational metabolomics. Beyond his technical work, Christoph is passionate about fostering innovation in biotech talent. He has co-organized AI+Bio hackathons (in collaboration with Lux Capita / Evolved Technology) to bridge the software and life science communities, using these events to recruit and inspire top technical talent for biotechnology’s next generation.
Enveda, a biotechnology company pioneering a new era of small-molecule drug discovery. Founded in 2019, Enveda has rapidly grown into one of the fastest-emerging techbio companies. In September 2025, Enveda secured $150 million in Series D funding, achieving unicorn status and bringing its total capital raised to over $500 million. This investment accelerates its mission to advance AI-driven drug discovery and clinical programs for conditions such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and obesity.
Doors will open 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time, with simple refreshments available. We encourage attendees to arrive early to secure their seats.