BLOG
Innovation Agents on a mission

Every month, an innovation agent from ChemistryNL gives you insight into his/her daily work. Read the blogs of:Martin van Dord, Caroli Buitenhuis, Anton Schotman, René Reijtenbagh, Eric van Sprang, Marco Tibaldi and Robert-Jan Lamers.

This month: Robert-Jan Lamers

Blog AI creates numerous opportunities for Chemistry of Life

Changes in chemistry and life sciences are happening rapidly, partly due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). AI can analyze large amounts of data and extract patterns, which is very useful in the complex world of chemistry and life sciences. Start-ups play an important role in this by developing new products and services with the help of AI. For example, AI is changing the way new medicines are discovered, genetic data is analyzed, medical diagnoses are made and new materials are designed.

Discovering new medicines is a long process that involves a lot of money. Using AI, millions of chemical compounds can be searched to predict which ones are most promising as new drugs. This can significantly reduce the time and money required for drug development, from years to just a few months during which promising new drug candidates are identified.

Everyone has a unique genetic profile, which means that the same treatment does not work equally well for everyone. AI can be used to analyze genetic information and develop tailor-made treatments. By examining DNA sequences, it can be predicted which diseases a person is likely to develop and which treatments will work best. This personalized medicine has the potential to vastly improve healthcare by tailoring treatments specifically to the individual.

Diagnostic errors can have serious consequences. AI helps doctors reduce these errors by analyzing medical images such as X-rays and MRI scans. AI systems can assess images quickly and accurately, sometimes even better than human doctors. This means that diseases can be detected earlier and more accurately, leading to better treatment outcomes.

AI is also used to design new materials with improved properties. AI is used in combination with synthetic biology to create materials that are stronger, lighter or more durable. This has applications in various industries, from electronics to agriculture, and helps develop improved products that are also less harmful to the environment.
As an innovation agent for Chemistry of Life, I try to help develop and implement new ideas, products and processes within Chemistry of Life, and find applications for them. I see the questions surrounding AI within Chemistry of Life increasing. For example, I am currently helping a start-up company that has developed an AI tool that can collect real-time data from patients and provide these patients with personal remote monitoring and guidance. This enables faster decision-making and more effective patient treatment. The company wants to use the AI tool for another application. I try to help the company further by making contacts with research institutions and other companies within my network, facilitating collaboration and sharing knowledge. Pointing out subsidy opportunities is also part of this.

Let me know if you have any innovation questions related to Chemistry of Life, I’d love to help your company too!

 

More information about our innovation agents:
Free expert support to accelerate
Meet our innovation agents