In a significant move, Sandbox AQ, the AI and quantum firm spun out of Alphabet in 2022, has acquired Good Chemistry, a Vancouver-based quantum and computational chemistry startup. This acquisition marks Sandbox’s second buyout, with the company now expanding its global presence and adding proven technologies to its portfolio.
About Good Chemistry
Good Chemistry was founded by Arman Zaribafiyan in 2021 as a spin-off of quantum computing company 1QBit. Backed by investors including Green Sands Equity and Accenture Ventures, the startup offers cloud-based tools to accelerate material design. Good Chemistry’s platform enables chemistry developers to build chemical simulation apps and workflows using algorithms in quantum chemistry and machine learning as well as quantum computing.
The Acquisition
In a press release, Sandbox AQ VP Nadia Carlsten stated that the acquisition will expand the company’s global presence, adding ‘proven technologies,’ including simulation technologies, and major customers (such as Dow Chemical) to its portfolio. New investors are also part of the deal, with all of Good Chemistry’s backers joining Sandbox AQ’s investor base.
"Good Chemistry’s software and existing partnerships will enable us to rapidly accelerate how we bring the benefits of advanced simulation and AI tools to more customers," Carlsten said. "Combining our capabilities will give Sandbox AQ an advanced and scalable computing platform for highly accurate chemical simulation on a scale that makes impactful use cases such as new drug and material synthesis possible."
Sandbox AQ’s Focus on Simulation
Sandbox AQ sees simulation as increasingly central to its work, which spans drug discovery and material design across the agricultural, defense, energy, medical, and manufacturing sectors. With Good Chemistry, the company gains 25 computational and quantum chemists, AI and software engineers, and quantum computing scientists skilled in leveraging simulation tech.
Tellingly, Zaribafiyan is joining Sandbox as head of product for simulation platforms while Good Chemistry’s staff assumes roles in Sandbox’s existing simulation teams. "The rapid advances in AI, quantum, cloud, and high-performance computing have unlocked endless opportunities for companies like Good Chemistry and Sandbox AQ to reinvent the way we think about chemistry, discover ways to make products safer, stronger, and more sustainable, and reshape the fabric of our world," Zaribafiyan said.
Integrating Good Chemistry’s Software
As part of the acquisition, Sandbox AQ will integrate Good Chemistry’s software, Qemist Cloud and Tangelo, into its enterprise software portfolio. Qemist lets users take advantage of quantum chemistry through simulation, while Tangelo allows them to conduct chemistry experiments across quantum cloud providers and hardware devices.
Impact on Industry
The acquisition is expected to have a significant impact on the industry, with Sandbox AQ’s expanded capabilities enabling the company to bring advanced simulation and AI tools to more customers. The integration of Good Chemistry’s software will also enable users to take advantage of quantum chemistry through simulation, making it possible for companies like Dow Chemical to harness the power of quantum computing.
Conclusion
The acquisition of Good Chemistry marks a significant milestone for Sandbox AQ, expanding its global presence and adding proven technologies to its portfolio. With this acquisition, Sandbox AQ is well-positioned to drive innovation in AI and quantum computing, enabling customers to accelerate material design and develop new products that are safer, stronger, and more sustainable.
Key Takeaways
- Sandbox AQ acquires Good Chemistry, a Vancouver-based quantum and computational chemistry startup
- The acquisition expands Sandbox’s global presence and adds proven technologies to its portfolio
- Good Chemistry’s software will be integrated into Sandbox AQ’s enterprise software portfolio
- The acquisition is expected to have a significant impact on the industry, enabling companies like Dow Chemical to harness the power of quantum computing
About Sandbox AQ
Sandbox AQ is an AI and quantum firm spun out of Alphabet in 2022. The company focuses on developing advanced simulation and AI tools for various industries, including drug discovery and material design.
About Good Chemistry
Good Chemistry was founded by Arman Zaribafiyan in 2021 as a spin-off of quantum computing company 1QBit. The startup offers cloud-based tools to accelerate material design and is backed by investors including Green Sands Equity and Accenture Ventures.
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