CuspAI, a Cambridge-based artificial intelligence company, secured $100 million in Series A funding to accelerate development of its AI-driven materials discovery platform.
The startup, founded in 2024, uses advanced AI to transform how companies find and create new materials across multiple industries.
AI materials discovery startup attracts major tech and automotive investors
New Enterprise Associates and Temasek co-led the Series A round, with participation from NVentures (Nvidia’s venture capital arm), Samsung Ventures, Hyundai Motor Group, existing investors, and angel investors. This substantial funding follows a $30 million seed round completed just over a year ago.
Chemistry meets AI expertise
CuspAI was co-founded by Dr. Chad Edwards, a chemist turned technology entrepreneur who previously worked at Quantinuum Ltd., and Professor Max Welling, an AI specialist and former Vice President of Technology at Qualcomm Inc. Their combined chemistry and artificial intelligence expertise drives the company’s innovative platform.
Ten times faster material discovery
The company’s core technology functions as an AI-powered “search engine” for materials. Customers specify required material properties, and the platform generates viable, synthesizable candidates up to ten times faster than conventional discovery processes.
This acceleration comes from integrating generative AI foundation models, deep learning techniques, and molecular simulation into a single platform.
Cross-industry partnerships already delivering results
CuspAI emphasizes its platform’s materials-agnostic capabilities, enabling applications across diverse sectors. The company has established partnerships in automotive, semiconductors, water purification, and climate technology industries.
Current collaborations include:
- Hyundai – developing sustainable energy initiatives
- Kemira Oyj – eliminating harmful substances from cookware and fabrics
- Meta Platforms – creating efficient carbon capture methodologies
Global expansion plans
Edwards and Welling stated the company intends to “make real-world impact by continuing to iterate [their] platform, collaborating on meaningful use cases with industry, and delivering next-gen materials to market faster.”
The new funding will scale CuspAI’s operations across the U.S. and Asia to meet increasing customer demand for AI-powered materials discovery services.
