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#AI & ML #Research
TechCrunch
TechCrunch
2d ago 7 views

Top OpenAI, Google Brain researchers set off a $300M VC frenzy for their startup Periodic Labs 

Periodic Labs, founded by former OpenAI and Google Brain researchers, raised $300 million in seed funding to revolutionize material science using AI. This significant investment highlights the growing interest in AI's potential to transform scientific discovery.
Top OpenAI, Google Brain researchers set off a $300M VC frenzy for their startup Periodic Labs 
A What happened
Periodic Labs, co-founded by Liam Fedus and Ekin Dogus Cubuk, has successfully raised $300 million in seed funding to innovate in the field of material science using artificial intelligence. The funding round, led by Felicis, attracted numerous high-profile investors, reflecting a strong belief in the potential of AI to transform scientific research. The startup aims to automate the discovery of new materials by combining advanced machine learning simulations with robotic experimentation. This approach is expected to generate valuable data, even from failed experiments, thereby enhancing the AI training process. The founders emphasize the importance of integrating real-world experiments into the AI loop, which could shift the focus of scientific research from merely publishing successful results to exploring new hypotheses. With a talented team and a well-equipped lab, Periodic Labs is initially targeting the discovery of new superconductors, which could have significant implications for energy-efficient technologies.

Key insights

  • 1

    AI in Material Science

    Periodic Labs aims to automate material discovery using AI.

  • 2

    Significant Funding

    $300 million seed funding indicates strong investor confidence.

  • 3

    Exploratory Science

    The startup promotes a shift from success-driven to exploratory research.

Takeaways

Periodic Labs represents a significant advancement in the intersection of AI and material science, with the potential to reshape how scientific discoveries are made. The substantial funding and innovative approach could lead to breakthroughs in superconductors and other materials.