Illumina has launched the Billion Cell Atlas, the largest dataset of its kind to support drug discovery and train AI cell models[1]. The Atlas maps the effects of turning genes on or off in 200 cell lines, including those for studying heart disease, neurological disorders, immune conditions and cancer[1]. So far, 150 million cells have been analyzed, with the expectation of reaching one billion by the end of the year[1]. The project is supported by the pharmaceutical companies Eli Lilly, MSD and AstraZeneca as the first customers, others have shown interest[1]. The data helps validate drug targets and create virtual cells – AI models of cell behavior[1]. Illumina is a leader in DNA sequencing and sees atlas as a new growth opportunity[1].