Success Stories: Pushing the Boundaries of AI in Drug Discovery: National Interest Waiver Granted for AI Executive

Case Summary:

When artificial intelligence is applied to the complex domains of chemistry and biology, it becomes more than a technological innovation—it becomes a matter of life-saving potential. In a major step forward, a leader in artificial intelligence has secured EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) approval for a groundbreaking body of work that reimagines how we develop cancer treatments and personalized therapies. The petition, filed with premium processing, was approved in June 2025.

Transforming Oncology Through Machine Learning

The petitioner, currently serving as CEO of an AI-driven company, leads a scientific initiative to build machine learning models that dramatically accelerate the drug discovery process. Her work focuses on simulating molecular interactions using predictive AI systems, enabling researchers and pharmaceutical companies to design more effective, personalized treatments at a fraction of the traditional cost.

By blending multi-omics data with cutting-edge AI tools, her platform addresses the two greatest bottlenecks in modern drug development: time and precision. In a field where the average drug can cost over $2 billion to develop, her innovations offer scalable, high-impact alternatives that have already drawn global interest.

Recognized Expertise and Influential Scholarship

Her scholarly output includes 5 peer-reviewed journal articles, 31 conference papers, a full-length academic book, one book chapter, and multiple abstracts and preprints. These publications have received over 3,680 citations, with multiple articles ranked in the top 10–20% most cited in computer science for her publication year, a clear indicator of her sustained relevance and influence.

Additionally, she holds one U.S. patent and two patent applications, illustrating the novelty and applicability of her techniques in the real world.

Leadership at the Intersection of Science and Enterprise

As CEO and founder of multiple AI-based companies, she has led the development of platforms that blend AI and quantum science to model complex biological systems. One of her ventures, specializing in generative AI for drug design, was acquired by a global pharmaceutical innovator. Her leadership has driven not only academic breakthroughs but also commercial scalability, helping translate AI theory into life-saving therapies.

She also serves on the editorial board of Artificial Intelligence in the Life Sciences and has chaired key sessions at international AI conferences. Her roles signal the trust placed in her by the research community and her visibility as a thought leader in this fast-evolving discipline.

Case Approved on National Importance and Strategic Value

NAILG demonstrated how this petition met the NIW requirements by showing:

• The proposed endeavor held substantial merit and national importance.
• The client was well-positioned to advance it.
• It would be beneficial to the United States to waive the job offer and labor certification requirements.

With this NIW approval, the U.S. continues to welcome talent at the forefront of biomedical innovation. NAILG is proud to have helped secure this outcome for a leader whose work holds the promise to reshape the future of healthcare through intelligent and scalable solutions.