A new startup, Periodic Labs, has emerged with significant backing from notable figures like Jeff Bezos and Eric Schmidt, and a team composed of experts from OpenAI, Google, and Meta. Unlike other Silicon Valley tech companies, Periodic Labs is not focusing on consumer products or artificial general intelligence. Instead, the startup aims to develop an A.I. scientist by integrating artificial intelligence with traditional research methods, including real laboratory experiments. With $300 million in seed funding led by Andreessen Horowitz, and contributions from Nvidia, Felicis, Accel, Elad Gil, Jeff Dean, Bezos, and Schmidt, the company is well-equipped to pursue its innovative mission.
Co-founded by Liam Fedus, a key figure in the creation of ChatGPT, and Ekin Dogus Cubuk, a former Google DeepMind scientist, Periodic Labs is leveraging the expertise of a team of around 20 experienced professionals. The startup envisions creating A.I. systems capable of forming hypotheses and conducting simulations in autonomous labs, focusing initially on the physical sciences. This approach could potentially lead to significant advancements in fields such as space travel, nuclear fusion, and semiconductor technology.
Periodic Labs is already collaborating with semiconductor manufacturers to enhance chip heat dissipation and is developing agents to optimize research and engineering processes. The company’s client base extends to sectors like space and defense. While tech giants like OpenAI and Google are exploring similar avenues, Periodic Labs stands out with its unique integration of A.I. and traditional scientific methods, aiming to redefine the future of scientific discovery.
