Can AI revolutionize materials discovery?

Google DeepMind’s Ekin Dogus Cubuk says AI may be more useful for optimizing existing materials than discovering new ones.

An episode of the Catalyst with Shayle Kann podcast, hosted by Latitude Media, titled "Can AI revolutionize materials discovery?" was published on September 19, 2024 and runs 37 minutes.

September 19, 2024 ·37m · Catalyst with Shayle Kann

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Summary

AI is working its way across climate tech, helping companies discover giant lodes of ore, catch battery defects, and monitor energy infrastructure. Could it help us find revolutionary new materials, too? Turns out, it’s complicated. In this episode, Shayle talks to Ekin Dogus Cubuk, or Dogus, a researcher focused on materials at Google DeepMind. DeepMind is one of several players, including Microsoft, trying to discover new materials that could be used in things like better battery chemistries, powerful carbon-capture sorbents, and room-temperature superconductors. But so far, Dogus says AI-powered approaches haven’t actually yielded any commercially-deployable materials. Shayle and Dogus cover topics like: Existing approaches to materials discovery, like experimentation and density functional theory, and how AI could complement those techniques Why AI may actually require a lot more lab work – and larger datasets – before it becomes useful for material discovery The types of material properties that AI may be especially useful for, such as optical or electric qualities Recommended resources Latitude Media: Armed with AI, Microsoft found a new battery material in just two weeks Google DeepMind: Millions of new materials discovered with deep learning Catalyst is brought to you by Kraken, the advanced operating system for energy. Kraken is helping utilities offer excellent customer service and develop innovative products and tariffs through the connection and optimization of smart home energy assets. Already licensed by major players across the globe, including Origin Energy, E.ON, and EDF, Kraken can help you create a smarter, greener grid. Visit kraken.tech. Catalyst is brought to you by Anza, a revolutionary platform enabling solar and energy storage equipment buyers and developers to save time, increase profits, and reduce risk. Instantly see pricing, product, and counterparty data and comparison tools. Learn more at go.anzarenewables.com/latitude. Catalyst is brought to you by Antenna Group, the global leader in integrated marketing, public relations, creative, and public affairs for energy and climate brands. If you're a startup, investor, or enterprise that's trying to make a name for yourself, Antenna Group's team of industry insiders is ready to help tell your story and accelerate your growth engine. Learn more at antennagroup.com.