Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s 5th Annual
Machine Learning for Protein Engineering Part 1
Advancing Protein Engineering with AI: New Architectures, Validation Strategies, and Complex Biologics
18 November 2026
Few areas of biologics R&D are moving faster than machine learning for protein engineering, where new architectures and design strategies are redefining what is computationally possible. Yet speed brings its own challenges—benchmarks can mislead, models trained on available data may fail on novel problems, and clinical validation remains the ultimate test. This conference brings academic and industry scientists together to explore the cutting edge of AI-driven binder design, multispecific engineering, and agentic workflows, while maintaining the critical perspective needed to separate transformative tools from compelling but premature technology.
Coverage will include, but is not limited to:
Advancing Mini Binders to the Clinic
- AI design of GLP-1 analogues and non-canonical amino acids
- Developability, immunogenicity, and TPP challenges
- In vivo and clinical success stories
AI Binder Design Strategies
- Applications of structure prediction models to design novel binders
- Reduce failure rates caused by site-selection errors and unforeseen protein dynamics
- Strategies to improve binding affinity and minimise maturation rounds
AI Design for Multispecifics and Complex Biologics
- Active learning training data generation for complex molecules
- Models for quaternary structure prediction and combinatorial effects
- Transfer learning from VHH/IgG to multispecifics
Benchmarking and Validation of Related Models
- Clinical and in vivo validation
- Competitions; filtering and scoring approaches
- Sandboxing and model validation for use at R&D stage
IP Security in the Age of AI
- IP considerations in AI-based repurposing
- Patentability of AI de novo designs in US/EU; protecting your IP
- Prospects for federated data consortiums
New Model Architectures
- Equivariant diffusion models
- Hybrid sequence/structure models
- Prospects for end-to-end agentic platforms and workflows
The deadline for priority consideration is 9 April 2026.
All proposals are subject to review by session chairpersons and/or the Scientific Advisory Committee to ensure the overall quality of the conference program. Additionally, as per Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s policy, a select number of vendors and consultants who provide products and services will be offered opportunities for podium presentation slots based on a variety of Corporate Sponsorships.
Opportunities for Participation: