π The AI Biologist
A former Goldman Sachs director and Google researcher, David Ha founded Sakana AI in Tokyo in 2023 β Japanβs first AI unicorn.
βSakanaβ (Japanese: ι) means fish.
Ha chose the name because his company is inspired by collective intelligence in nature: just as a school of fish moves in perfect harmony without a leader, Sakana AIβs systems are designed to learn, adapt, and collaborate β not just follow orders.
π‘ In March, Sakanaβs system AI Scientist made history: it authored the first-ever scientific paper written entirely by AI and accepted by human peer reviewers. A turning point β not because the research was flawless, but because it showed whatβs coming next.
Also remarkable: when Sakana AI once accidentally tricked a software system, Ha publicly apologized β earning even more trust.
The China Survival Guide for Western Businesses
Entity setup, WeChat strategy, hiring your first local team. 12+ years on the ground in Shanghai.
