NEWTON · New Digital Twins for Biological Innovation

Computational analysis of experimental measurements is crucial for advancing fields ranging from basic biotechnology to applied biomedicine. However, the rapid generation of increasingly complex data by laboratory equipment has outpaced the development of computational tools, leading to significant loss of valuable information. NEWTON addresses this challenge by developing Digital Twins (DTs) for (i) laboratory equipment and (ii) experimental procedures. These DTs will serve as computational mirrors, replicating the equipment used for sample characterization and the protocols employed in experiments. By capturing the intrinsic features of the equipment, how it derives experimental values from living cells, and the impact of protocols on samples, DTs will unlock unprecedented insights from experimental data. Existing computational tools could be integrated with DTs to enhance their analytical capabilities. Importantly, DTs are not intended to replace existing tools but to augment them, enabling comparisons and predictions that are currently unattainable, thus overcoming current bottlenecks. A preliminary test using a DT of a flow cytometer has already demonstrated its potential within our laboratory, allowing us to investigate bacterial phenotypes in novel ways and revolutionizing our approach to cytometry data analysis. Building on this success, NEWTON will advance initial conceptual studies to practical validation in small- and large-scale setups. Use cases during this validation phase will span biomedical applications, industrial cytometry fabrication, and bioengineering research. Looking ahead, NEWTON will assess the scalability of this technology, with a long-term vision of creating a modular DT of an entire molecular biology laboratory—where NEWTON DTs serve as foundational components. A comprehensive exploitation plan will ensure the project’s impact extends well beyond its lifespan, driving innovation across multiple domains.