AI and Chemistry Unite: A Global Hackathon Sparks Innovation

A recent global AI hackathon brought together over 1, 200 participants from 16 countries to tackle real-world problems in chemistry and materials science. This event, held at Duke University and other locations, challenged teams to develop prototypes using large language models (LLMs). Abstrax, a company known for its work in flavor science, sponsored the event and awarded prizes to top teams. The hackathon focused on applying AI to chemistry, with projects like SmeLLMap, which mapped receptor-odor relationships, and ATOMS Lab, which predicted sensory attributes with limited data. Another project, ChromatographyMiner, developed a pipeline for analyzing chemical compounds. These innovations could have big impacts on fields like flavor science and materials research. Abstrax's involvement in the hackathon highlights its commitment to advancing AI-driven tools in chemistry. The company's CEO, Kevin Koby, emphasized the importance of collaboration between AI researchers and chemists. Dr. Qianxiang Ai, a senior researcher at Abstrax, noted that the projects demonstrated how AI can speed up discoveries in areas like olfaction and chromatography. The hackathon also showcased the growing interest in AI for science. Companies like Lila Sciences and Biostate AI were also involved, reflecting a broader trend of using AI to solve complex scientific problems. The event received recognition from various platforms, including Duke University and the official hackathon website. Two of the winning teams, SmeLLMap and ATOMS Lab, have been invited to present their findings at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring 2026 Conference. This collaboration between academia and industry could lead to further advancements in computational chemistry. A showcase event later this year will feature live demonstrations from the winning teams. Abstrax is a leader in flavor science, known for its work in cannabis-inspired terpene innovation. The company combines research and creativity to develop products like hemp-derived terpene blends and mood-enhancing formulations. Abstrax's work has earned it recognition from Forbes, Fast Company, and the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies.