Sandbox AQ, an AI and quantum computing company that emerged from Alphabet in 2022, has recently acquired Vancouver-based quantum and computational chemistry startup, Good Chemistry, for an undisclosed amount.
Founded by Arman Zaribafiyan in 2021 as an offshoot of 1QBit and supported by investors like Green Sands Equity and Accenture Ventures, Good Chemistry specializes in cloud-based solutions that expedite material design. Its platform enables chemistry developers to create chemical simulation applications and workflows, leveraging quantum chemistry, machine learning, and quantum computing algorithms.
Nadia Carlsten, Sandbox AQ’s Vice President, announced that this acquisition not only broadens Sandbox’s international reach but also integrates “proven technologies” into its portfolio. This includes simulation technologies and significant clients like Dow Chemical. Additionally, Good Chemistry’s investors are now part of Sandbox AQ’s investor circle.
Carlsten emphasized that Good Chemistry’s software and partnerships will significantly enhance Sandbox AQ’s ability to offer advanced simulation and AI tools to more clients. The merger will equip Sandbox AQ with a robust, scalable computing framework for precise chemical simulations, aiding in developing new drugs and materials.
Simulation technology is increasingly pivotal to Sandbox AQ, whose operations span various sectors including agriculture, defense, energy, medicine, and manufacturing. With Good Chemistry’s acquisition, Sandbox AQ will gain a team of 25 experts in computational and quantum chemistry, AI, software engineering, and quantum computing. Importantly, Zaribafiyan will lead Sandbox AQ’s product development for simulation platforms, and Good Chemistry’s team will join Sandbox’s existing simulation groups.
Zaribafiyan noted that breakthroughs in AI, quantum, cloud, and high-performance computing have opened vast opportunities for companies like Good Chemistry and Sandbox AQ. These advancements are revolutionizing chemistry, enabling the creation of safer, stronger, and more sustainable products, and altering the world’s framework. He expressed that Good Chemistry’s platform will greatly benefit from the broader reach and expertise of Sandbox AQ.
As part of this acquisition, Sandbox AQ plans to integrate Good Chemistry’s software, including Qemist Cloud and Tangelo, into its enterprise software suite. Qemist Cloud offers quantum chemistry simulations, while Tangelo facilitates chemistry experiments across various quantum cloud providers and hardware.
This marks Sandbox AQ’s second significant acquisition, following its purchase of Cryptosense, a software-as-a-service cybersecurity and encryption firm, in 2022.