Technology

AI materials discovery now needs to move into the real world

Source

MIT Technology Review

Published

Dec 15, 2025

TL;DR

AI Generated

AI-assisted laboratories are being set up by well-funded startups like Lila Sciences to accelerate materials discovery using artificial intelligence. Despite the potential of AI models like AlphaFold2 and ChatGPT, the challenge lies in transitioning from simulations to real-world experiments. Startups are aiming to use AI to optimize materials discovery processes, but the gap between virtual simulations and physical realities remains a hurdle. Companies like Lila Sciences and Periodic Labs are working on combining computational modeling with experimental expertise to enhance materials discovery, with a focus on finding breakthrough materials like room-temperature superconductors. The field is optimistic about AI's potential but faces the challenge of translating scientific achievements into commercially viable materials in a competitive industry dominated by established players.

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