TAP

THE ANSWER PROJECT

AI-Native Drug Discovery

Building intelligent networks that connect multidisciplinary expertise, computational models, and experimental capabilities. Our system integrates dynamic discovery flows, continuous learning loops, and targeted deployment to accelerate therapeutic development.

Distributed innovation networks + multi-objective optimization = breakthrough therapeutics

A Focal Point for Collaboration

TAP is a focal point for collaboration in the life sciences industry. We attract and orchestrate multi-disciplinary expertise, computational power, and experimental capabilities through intelligent networks that traditional siloed approaches cannot achieve. By leading and originating collaborative initiatives, we unlock latent capabilities across the field to generate beneficial outcomes for patients and all partners involved. Our dynamic approach accelerates therapeutic discovery while creating value for everyone in our network.

Technical Overview

AI-Native Architecture

Our system is built from the ground up as an AI-native architecture, creating intelligent networks that connect multidisciplinary expertise, computational models, and experimental capabilities. This reveals optimal collaborations and breakthrough opportunities that siloed approaches cannot identify.

Meta-Learning System

Each collaboration teaches the network how to form better connections, transforming drug discovery into a continuously improving, distributed intelligence. The system doesn't just learn about molecules—it learns how to optimize the innovation process itself.

Network Effects

The network-based approach unlocks powerful effects. The network grows smarter with every interaction.

Critical Technologies

Advanced AI Models

The system leverages state-of-the-art AI architectures:

  • Transformer architectures for molecular sequence analysis
  • Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for structural imaging
  • Bayesian optimization for experimental design
  • Multi-modal learning across chemical and biological spaces

System Architecture

Built on modern architectural principles:

  • Event-driven architecture for real-time processing
  • Distributed computing for model training
  • Scalable microservices deployment
  • High-throughput data pipelines

Integration Capabilities

Comprehensive integration across:

  • Computer vision for experimental analysis
  • Automated laboratory systems
  • Molecular modeling platforms
  • Clinical data systems

Distributed Innovation

Distributed innovation represents a fundamental shift to collaborative networks that unlock collective intelligence. This approach connects people, their expertise, and the knowledge they generate alongside machine intelligence and learnings across institutions and computational models. Information is retrieved from the edges rather than centralized aggregation, enabling dynamic risk distribution and exponential learning.

Network Approach

Distributed Network

A distributed network of talent, cutting-edge technologies, and leading institutions is coordinated. In-house capabilities are amplified through strategic partnerships with:

  • Academic partners
  • Contract research organizations
  • Clinical research centers
  • Industry organizations
  • High Performace Computing

Deep Learning Infrastructure

Built from the ground up with AI/ML at the core. The computational infrastructure spans across the network, enabling distributed processing, model deployment, and collaboration.

Network Orchestration

Seamless coordination of distributed capabilities through the orchestration platform, ensuring efficient resource allocation and communication across all network nodes.

Discovery Flow

Portfolio Strategy

We operate dynamic portfolios across multiple therapeutic targets, continuously optimizing candidate selection through data-driven processes. Our system maintains active portfolios that are dynamically managed with real-time decisions to pause, purge, or promote candidates based on emerging data and predictive models. This enables continuous risk mapping and early false positive detection through strategic "killing experiments" that validate or eliminate candidates quickly, allowing rapid reallocation of resources to the most promising candidates while systematically eliminating dead ends.

Accelerated Timeline

Parallel processing across our network accelerates discovery timelines. Our learn-fast/kill-fast approach enables rapid decision-making and program advancement, with continuous flow from target discovery through preclinical and clinical development guided by empirical loops and computational predictions at each stage.

Development Pipeline

Portfolios are pursued that are driven by partnerships and disease indications through focused "Answer Projects" that are spun out. These are formed to concentrate efforts around specific initiatives. New "Answer Projects" are dynamically created as opportunities emerge, enabling rapid deployment across multiple therapeutic areas.

Empirical Loop

AI/ML Feedback

Every experimental result feeds back into AI models, creating a continuous learning loop that improves predictive accuracy across the entire network.

Validation Cycle

Rapid empirical validation of computational predictions, with results immediately informing model refinement and next-round predictions.

Precision Optimization

Iterative refinement of both computational models and experimental approaches, continuously improving the accuracy and efficiency of the discovery process.

Targeted Deployment

Partnership Networks

Our collaborative networks enable multiple paths to commercialization. Strategic optionality is achieved through a range of partnerships. Stakeholders across the field are engaged to accelerate development programs through active risk mapping. Alternative commercialization routes are pursued through various industry partnerships. This approach ensures seamless transition from discovery to clinical development and strategic market access. The probability of successful therapeutic deployment is maximized while creating value across the entire network of collaborators.

Our Team

Chan Harjivan, PharmD/MBA/MPH

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Special Assistant to the President, Biological Threats • Managing Director/Partner, BCG, PwC • Operation Warp Speed architect

Henk de Jong

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Corporate and Technology Strategy • Entrepreneur, Co-Founder ValueAI Institute • Investor, Venture Partner

John Baldoni, PhD

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Senior Pharma Leadership • AI-driven Drug Discovery, Portfolio • Platform Technology and Science, GSK

John Santerre, PhD

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Machine Learning, Deep Learning • AI Researcher/Instructor, Berkeley, NASA • Founder, Silicon Valley Bank AI Lab

Rebecca Kurnat, MS

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Head of Operations, SaponiQx • Novavax Vaccine Lead, US Government Operation Warp Speed • Technology Selection and Clinical Evaluation, Department of Defense

Douglas Beshore, PhD

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Medicinal Chemist • Director, Exelixis • Principal Scientist, Merck

Christopher Bun, PhD

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Machine Learning, Computational Biology, Cancer Genomics • CSO / CTO, Cancer IQ

Joe Camardo, MD

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Medical Strategy • CMO, ADC Therapeutics • SVP, Celgene, Pfizer, Wyeth

Grant Bourzikas, MS

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Chief Security Officer, Cloudflare • CISO, McAfee, HSBC, Silicon Valley Bank

Robin Prince, PhD

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DNA Encoded Libraries • Informatics & Molecular Biology, Dice Therapeutics

Steven Spear, PhD/MEM

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Management Systems • High Performance Organization • Senior Lecturer, MIT Sloan

Ashley Lim, MBA

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Life Sciences Strategy & Business Operations • Supply Chain, Project Management • Boston Consulting Group

Alph Bingham, PhD

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Senior Pharma Leadership • Collaborative Drug Discovery, InnoCentive • R&D Executive, Eli Lilly

Andrew Anderson, MBA

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Life Sciences Software • VP Innovation, ACD labs

Andrew Francis

Founder • Distributed Innovation • Entrepreneur, Impact Investor

Contact

TAP engages with partners by referral.