Japan's Zeon Makes Strategic Investment in UK Startup Chemify, Advancing Automated Chemical Research

Japan's Zeon Invests in Chemify for Automation in Chemical Research

In a significant move towards revolutionizing chemical research, Japan's Zeon Corporation has made a strategic investment in the UK-based startup Chemify. This initiative comes from Zeon Ventures Inc., a subsidiary of Zeon that manages corporate venture capital (CVC). The investment aims to enhance the efficiency of chemical research, aligning with Zeon's objective to accelerate the development of new materials.

Chemify is recognized as one of the leading startups in automating chemical research. Last year, they established a state-of-the-art fully automated laboratory in Glasgow, Scotland, specifically focused on molecular design and synthesis. By integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies, Chemify has successfully automated the entire cycle from molecular design to synthesis, analysis, and interpretation. This breakthrough innovation condenses the timeline from conception to compound synthesis to less than one-tenth of the traditional duration. Such advancements are expected to bring unprecedented speed to the generation of innovations, especially in the field of advanced materials.

As many chemical companies look towards AI and robotic automation to tackle pressing global challenges such as climate change and an aging population, Zeon has been proactive in embracing digital and automated solutions in chemical research since its inception. This partnership with Chemify illustrates Zeon's commitment to leveraging state-of-the-art technologies for the creation of new materials that can proficiently address societal issues.

Furthermore, Zeon Corporation's mid-term management plan, STAGE30, highlights the importance of growth in four key areas: mobility, healthcare and life sciences, information communication, and green transformation (GX). The company aims to elevate the revenue share from these sectors to 48% by the fiscal year 2028. With this strategic investment in Chemify, Zeon looks to continue supporting startups and delivering transformative new materials that cater to diverse industries, thereby contributing to a sustainable Earth and a comfortable living environment for people.