MIT-led team secures $53 million ARPA-H grant to develop next-generation herbicides using generative AI

A team led by MIT has received the highest $53 million award from the ARPA-H STREAM program to develop a new alternative to herbicides. The project is named PLOW. The team will use generative AI models to predict molecules or siRNA targeting plant enzymes such as EPSP synthase, addressing weed resistance issues while optimizing synthesis costs, resistance risks, and health risks. They aim to complete initial RNAi candidates for greenhouse testing by the end of the first year.