The Cancer Research Institute (CRI) has launched a transformative AI-driven immuno-oncology initiative in collaboration with 10x Genomics, aiming to revolutionize cancer treatment through high-resolution biological data and artificial intelligence. The multi-phase project will generate single cell and spatial data from over 20,000 samples across leading immuno-oncology research centers, creating one of the most comprehensive datasets in the field. The goal is to map the immune system’s interaction with cancer at an unprecedented level, driving the development of next-generation immunotherapies and cancer vaccines. The initiative begins with a pilot phase involving prominent researchers from top institutions, including John Wherry, Ph.D. of the University of Pennsylvania, Ansuman Satpathy, M.D., Ph.D. of Stanford University, and Andrea Schietinger, Ph.D. of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. These teams will generate approximately 3,000 samples using 10x Genomics’ Chromium single cell and Xenium spatial platforms. These technologies were selected for their ability to produce large-scale, high-quality data with the resolution and consistency needed for advanced AI analysis. The pilot data will be used to train and validate early AI models, identifying key cellular and microenvironmental features linked to immune response and treatment outcomes. Following the pilot, the project will scale up to include a broader network of laboratories. To handle the increased volume, CRI will deploy 10x Genomics’ Chromium Flex single cell assay, designed for ultra-high-throughput studies, enabling the profiling of more than 500 million cells. The resulting integrated dataset will help uncover the mechanisms behind immune activation and resistance, refine current therapies, identify new treatment targets, and lay the foundation for preventive cancer vaccines. Alicia Zhou, Ph.D., CEO of CRI, emphasized the strategic importance of data in advancing cancer research. She stated that the collaboration brings together 10x Genomics’ cutting-edge platforms with CRI’s mission-driven research community to create insights that were previously unattainable. The initiative builds on CRI’s legacy of supporting groundbreaking immunotherapy research, including work that contributed to the development of Gardasil®, the first cancer-preventive vaccine. Serge Saxonov, CEO and co-founder of 10x Genomics, highlighted the potential of single cell and spatial technologies to decode the complexity of biological systems. He noted that understanding immune responses at the cellular level is essential for developing effective therapies and that this partnership accelerates progress toward a future where cancer is preventable and curable. The project reflects a growing convergence of AI, advanced genomics, and immunology, with the potential to transform how cancer is understood and treated. By combining deep biological insight with artificial intelligence, the initiative aims to unlock new pathways for prevention, treatment, and long-term survival.