Amid the flurry of advancements in generative AI for digital content, Orbital Materials, an AI startup based in London, is one of the pioneers leveraging AI to innovate in the field of physical material science.
Founded by former DeepMind senior researcher Jonathan Godwin, this startup is on the cusp of transforming the materials science industry by applying AI to discover new materials for applications ranging from batteries to CO2-capturing cells.
From DeepMind to Orbital Materials
- Jonathan Godwin’s journey from contributing to DeepMind’s material research to founding Orbital Materials was driven by the potential he saw in applying AI systems like AlphaFold to materials science.
- Recognizing the inefficiencies in traditional material discovery processes, Godwin envisioned a new approach that combines AI expertise with materials science to accelerate the development of new materials from concept to reality.
Material design is inherently complex, demanding a deep understanding of physical and chemical structures to achieve desired properties.
AI, particularly Orbital Materials’ proprietary model LINUS, introduces a computational method to predict material outcomes, streamlining the research and development process by:
- Mapping potential properties and processes to guide material discovery.
- Reducing time and financial investments in new material development.
Orbital Materials and Its Unique AI Model
Orbital Materials distinguishes itself with LINUS, an AI model trained on diverse datasets encompassing simulations and materials information.
The model supports scientists in generating 3D molecular structures through natural language instructions, offering a novel approach to material discovery that mirrors the success of large language models in other fields.
Investor interest
Orbit Materials is barely one and a half years old, but has already raised nearrly $21 million.
On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, the company announced the closing of a $16m Series A financing led by Radical Ventures, with participation from Toyota Ventures and returning Seed leads Fly Ventures and Compound.
The startup is now is poised to expand its research capabilities and further develop its AI-driven approach to material discovery.
The startup’s ambition is not just to invent new materials but to bring them to the stage where they can be produced and commercialized through partnerships, exemplifying a new era in materials science where AI accelerates innovation and application.
