A breakthrough AI-powered chemistry technique developed in Glasgow has been validated by three leading scientific journals, signalling a potential step change in how new drugs — including cancer treatments — are discovered and developed.
The method, known as Chemputation, has been created by Chemify, a spin-out from the University of Glasgow led by Regius Professor of Chemistry Lee Cronin.
At its core is the “chemputer” — a system that uses advanced algorithms to automate the design and synthesis of molecules. The approach enables chemistry to be translated into executable digital instructions, allowing molecules to be created, tested and refined in an iterative, programmable way.
The technology has now been detailed and validated across three peer-reviewed publications in PNAS, Nature Communications Chemistry and Nature Communications Biology. Together, they demonstrate how the Chemputation platform can interpret scientific literature, execute chemical processes autonomously and apply these capabilities to real-world challenges such as cancer research.
One study shows how a universal programming language could be used to create molecules, while another outlines how AI systems can read, correct and verify chemical literature to ensure safe robotic execution. A third demonstrates how the platform can be used to develop potential cancer treatments, including work targeting KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer.
Cronin said the validation establishes Chemputation as a new paradigm for chemistry, shifting it from an artisanal process to a scalable, programmable technology. “Chemputation shifts chemistry from an artisanal practice to an executable, verifiable and shareable technology,” he said, highlighting its potential to transform how drugs and materials are designed and manufactured.
Founded in 2022, Chemify has rapidly scaled its ambitions, securing $50 million in Series B funding in 2025 and launching its first “Chemifarm” facility to industrialise molecular design and production. The company is now working with biotech, pharmaceutical and research partners to apply the technology at scale.
The breakthrough reinforces Glasgow’s position at the forefront of deeptech innovation — where AI, advanced science and entrepreneurship are converging to redefine industries and unlock new possibilities in global healthcare.