Everyone is exploring the potential applications of artificial intelligence across various industries, and European startup Osium AI has uncovered intriguing uses of AI in materials scientific research and development.
Founded by Sarah Najmark and Luisa Bouneder, Osium AI secured $2.6 million in seed funding from prominent investors such as Y Combinator, Singular, Kima Ventures, Collaborative Fund, Raise Phiture, and several business angels including Julien Chaumond, Thomas Clozel, Isaac Oates, Liz Wessel, Ebert Hera Group, Patrick Joubert, Sequoia Scout, and Atomico Angel.
Sarah Najmark, who delved into substance research, particularly in perfumery during her bachelor’s studies, noticed the conventional and intuition-reliant nature of materials development methodologies. Her stint at Google X, focusing on automation and cutting-edge technologies, allowed her to co-author several innovations and oversee end-to-end artificial intelligence pipelines related to robotics and system architecture.
On the other hand, co-founder Luisa Bouneder spent three years working on information products for businesses, with a specific focus on the materials industry. She witnessed firsthand how trial and error hindered the creation process. Najmark highlighted the importance of addressing ecological challenges by developing new materials that are not only lighter for aerospace but also more durable and environmentally friendly, with optimized production processes.
Osium AI operates by leveraging a data-driven approach to enhance the feedback loop between material development and testing. By utilizing their advanced technology, professional companies can predict the characteristics of new materials based on specific criteria, enabling Osium AI to refine and optimize these materials effectively, thus circumventing common trial and error pitfalls.
Several professional companies have already tested Osium AI’s solution and recognized its potential to accelerate material development and analysis significantly. As the startup prepares to expand its team and transition industrial trials into formal contracts, Najmark emphasized the positive impact their technology has demonstrated from the outset.
Despite its nascent stage with only two team members, Osium AI is poised to scale up its operations and capitalize on the promising outcomes of their industrial partnerships.
