BenchSci

BenchSci, a Toronto-based AI startup in the pharmaceutical technology sector, has laid off approximately 83 employees, representing 23% of its workforce, as part of a strategic shift to become an "AI-first" company. This move, announced in August 2025, follows a previous 17% reduction in early 2024. The company is aggressively adopting generative AI tools to automate workflows, streamline operations, and boost efficiency, explicitly aiming to replace human-performed tasks with AI. CEO Liran Belenzon emphasized that the company now prioritizes AI solutions before adding new staff or processes, reflecting a broader industry trend where tech companies leverage AI to reduce costs and enhance productivity.

Toronto-based AI and biomedical startup BenchSci has laid off 70 employees, representing 17 percent of its workforce, as it adapts to the impact of generative AI in drug discovery. The company, which recently secured $95 million in Series D funding, cited shifts in the economic environment, operational efficiencies, and technological advancements as reasons for the restructuring. BenchSci aims to reinvest in generative AI to enhance its preclinical research platform, despite the difficult decision to reduce its team. The layoffs reflect a broader trend among Canadian AI and biotech firms adjusting their strategies in a changing market.