- Binance Labs, now YZi Labs, expands focus to artificial intelligence and biotechnology sectors.
- Changpeng Zhao and Ella Zhang return to actively guide incubator projects.
What happened: Binance Labs expands into AI and biotech
Binance Labs, the technology incubator of Binance, has rebranded to YZi Labs to reflect its expanded focus on artificial intelligence and biotechnology. The announcement, made on 23 January, confirmed that former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao will take an active mentoring role alongside co-founder Ella Zhang, who returns to lead the revamped incubator programme.
As part of its new direction, YZi Labs will reinstate a 12-week in-person residency for startups. The incubator aims to explore AI and blockchain intersections, including funding decentralised science (DeSci) projects and biotech applications.
Prior to the rebrand, Binance Labs invested in Sahara AI, which enables intellectual property attribution onchain, and MyShell, an AI-powered application-building platform. In November, the incubator supported BIO Protocol, which focuses on biotech DAOs developing pharmaceutical solutions. The rebrand underscores a growing commitment to innovative sectors such as AI and decentralised technologies, with a focus on creating meaningful use cases in emerging industries.
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Why it’s important
Binance Labs’ rebranding to YZi Labs highlights the growing convergence of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and biotechnology in investment strategies. The introduction of a structured residency programme and Changpeng Zhao’s active mentorship suggest a robust plan to nurture startups exploring cutting-edge applications.
The move into AI and decentralised science further demonstrates blockchain’s potential to revolutionise fields such as biotech research, pharmaceutical development, and intellectual property attribution. Moreover, prior investments in AI-driven platforms like Sahara AI and BIO Protocol signal Binance’s confidence in these sectors.
As blockchain technology continues to evolve, YZi Labs’ commitment to fostering interdisciplinary innovation could set a precedent for future technological advancements across industries.
