A new AI solution for sustainable production is to be tested at Diamyd Medical’s vaccine manufacturing facility in Umeå.
It is hoped, once the solution has been refined, that it can be introduced in companies throughout Sweden.
“This represents a unique opportunity that we do not see that often in Sweden. We are happy to be working with recognized experts in both AI and sustainable production,” says Ulf Hannelius, CEO of Diamyd Medical.
Diamyd Medical is currently developing a vaccine against type 1 diabetes. This spring the company opened a new manufacturing facility at premises previously operated by Sobi (Swedish Orphan Biovitrum) in Ersboda in Umeå. The active substance of the test drug – GAD – will be manufactured at the facility.
SEK 13 million of funding
Diamyd Medical, together with AI technology company MainlyAI and KTH (the Royal Institute of Technology), will collectively share SEK 13 million of funding from the Swedish Innovation Agency Vinnova for a project that will design, test and build a model for sustainable production using artificial intelligence. The project is being carried out at Diamyd Medical’s Umeå facility, currently under construction.
“At the same time, we want to help pave the way for climate-smart technologies and strategies that can be scaled up and applied to production facilities in various industries.”
“Through this project, we will investigate how AI technologies can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and how we can support decision-making and issues regarding production speed, employee well-being, sustainability goals and waste management,” says Hannelius. “The goal is to develop tailor-made AI solutions for Diamyd Medical’s pharmaceutical production. At the same time, we want to help pave the way for climate-smart technologies and strategies that can be scaled up and applied to production facilities in various industries.”
Diamyd Medical’s facility in Umeå is approximately 1,000 square meters in size and contains sterile rooms as well as laboratory and office space. Diamyd Medical is initially investing some SEK 20 million into the new facility.
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Photo of Ulf Hannelius: Ellinor Colling
