The ARC Virtual Cell Atlas uses high-throughput single-cell genomics, artificial intelligence, and open science to understand the complexities of cellular behavior. Developed through a partnership between the ARC Institute, 10x Genomics, and Ultima Genomics, the public domain resource integrates data from hundreds of millions of cells. By curating and harmonizing vast amounts of single-cell measurements, the Atlas paves the way for virtual cell simulations that can predict how cells respond to genetic or chemical changes. These models hold the promise for transforming drug discovery by accelerating target identification, optimizing candidate compounds, and reducing the cost of drug development. We spoke to Arc Institute’s Core Investigator Hani Goodarzi, Ultima Genomics CEO Gilad Almogy, and 10X Genomics CEO Serge Saxonov, about how the Atlas will serve academic and industry researchers developing therapies, how it will help unravel disease mechanisms at a cellular level, and provide broad access to advanced cellular analytics.