Sandbox AQ, the AI and quantum agency spun out of Google guardian firm Alphabet in 2022, has acquired Good Chemistry, a Vancouver-based quantum and computational chemistry startup, for an undisclosed sum.
Good Chemistry, based by Arman Zaribafiyan in 2021 as a spin-off of quantum computing firm 1QBit and backed by buyers together with Inexperienced Sands Fairness and Accenture Ventures, provides cloud-based instruments to speed up materials design. Good Chemistry’s platform lets chemistry builders construct chemical simulation apps and workflows utilizing algorithms in quantum chemistry and machine studying in addition to quantum computing.
In a press launch, Sandbox AQ VP Nadia Carlsten mentioned that the acquisition will broaden Sandbox’s world presence along with including “confirmed applied sciences,” together with simulation applied sciences, and main prospects (equivalent to Dow Chemical) to its portfolio. New buyers are part of the deal, too — all of Good Chemistry’s backers have joined Sandbox AQ’s investor base, Carlsten added.
“Good Chemistry’s software program and present partnerships will allow us to quickly speed up how we convey the advantages of superior simulation and AI instruments to extra prospects,” Carlsten mentioned. “Combining our capabilities will give Sandbox AQ a sophisticated and scalable computing platform for extremely correct chemical simulation on a scale that makes impactful use instances equivalent to new drug and materials synthesis potential.”
Sandbox AQ sees simulation as more and more central to its work, which spans drug discovery and materials design throughout the agricultural, protection, vitality, medical and manufacturing sectors. With Good Chemistry, the corporate positive aspects 25 computational and quantum chemists, AI and software program engineers and quantum computing scientists expert in leveraging simulation tech; tellingly, Zaribafiyan is becoming a member of Sandbox as head of product for simulation platforms whereas Good Chemistry’s workers is assuming roles in Sandbox’s present simulation groups.
“The speedy advances in AI, quantum, cloud and high-performance computing have unlocked limitless alternatives for firms like Good Chemistry and Sandbox AQ to reinvent the way in which we take into consideration chemistry, uncover methods to make merchandise safer, stronger and extra sustainable, and reshape the material of our world,” Zaribafiyan mentioned in a canned assertion. “[Tapping] the broader Sandbox AQ attain and area experience will supercharge the capabilities of our platform.”
As a part of the acquisition, Sandbox AQ says that it’ll combine Good Chemistry’s software program, Qemist Cloud and Tangelo, into its enterprise software program portfolio. Qemist lets consumer benefit from quantum chemistry by way of simulation, whereas Tangelo permits them to conduct chemistry experiments throughout quantum cloud suppliers and {hardware} gadgets.
Good Chemistry is Sandbox’s second acquisition. In 2022, it purchased Cryptosense, an enterprise-focused software-as-a-service cybersecurity and encryption startup.