Michael Polansky is training an AI model on skin that’s still alive

Michael Polansky is training an AI model using living human skin, marking a groundbreaking step in biotechnology and artificial intelligence integration. Polansky, co-founder of Outer Biosciences, a startup focused on keeping human tissue viable outside the body, is leveraging this capability to advance AI research. His work involves cultivating and maintaining living skin samples, which serve as a dynamic dataset for training models that can analyze biological processes in real-time. Polansky, who resides in Mill Valley, California, maintains a low-profile public presence despite his high-profile connections. He is the creative and business partner of Lady Gaga, a collaboration that blends the worlds of entertainment and science. Their relationship, which began in late 2019, has evolved into a professional and personal partnership that spans multiple ventures, including the management of large-scale operations during Gaga's global tours and involvement in the cosmetics brand Haus Labs. Born in Minnesota, Polansky pursued studies in applied mathematics and computer science at Harvard University, earning his degree in 2006. Following graduation, he worked at the hedge fund Bridgewater Associates for three years before transitioning to Silicon Valley. His career path intersected with tech luminaries such as Sean Parker, whose assistant introduced Polansky to Parker during a 2009 wedding in Minnesota. This connection led to Polansky joining Founders Fund, a venture capital firm co-founded by Peter Thiel, Sean Parker, Luke Nosek, and Ken Howery. During his tenure, he played a key role in managing Parker’s investments and philanthropy, including the establishment of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. Parker’s departure from Founders Fund prompted Polansky to join him in building a family office, where he oversaw business, investment, and charitable activities. His work with the Parker Institute continued until the onset of the pandemic, which shifted his focus toward other endeavors. His relationship with Lady Gaga became central to his life, leading to a multifaceted career that encompasses technology, music, and entrepreneurship. Gaga’s influence extends beyond entertainment into the realm of innovation. She founded Haus Labs, a cosmetics brand developed from her kitchen, rather than licensing her name to an established company. The brand, based in El Segundo, California, employs approximately 70 individuals and operates successfully. Additionally, Gaga serves on the board of Outer Biosciences, fostering collaboration between the two entities. For instance, Kyung-Jin Jang, the chief scientist at Outer Biosciences, holds a position on Haus Labs' scientific advisory board, highlighting the cross-pollination of ideas between the organizations. Outer Biosciences, where Polansky is deeply involved, has achieved notable milestones in preserving human tissue outside the body. The company has maintained living tissue for over a month, a feat that underscores the potential of their technology. This advancement enables the development of AI models trained on living biological data, offering new possibilities for medical research and personalized treatment strategies. The intersection of AI and biotechnology continues to evolve, driven by pioneers like Polansky. His dual role as a technologist and entrepreneur exemplifies the convergence of diverse fields, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in both science and industry. As Outer Biosciences progresses, the implications of their work could reshape healthcare, offering more accurate diagnostics and tailored therapies. The ongoing collaboration with Lady Gaga’s ventures further illustrates the broader impact of integrating technology with creative industries, paving the way for innovative solutions across sectors.