Safer Materials Summit Almaden 2025
- San Jose, California, USA
About
IBM Research is bringing together leading researchers, industry experts and corporate stakeholders to explore how new AI-based solutions can help resolve PFAS (per- or poly-fluoroalkyl substances, also known as “forever chemicals”) challenges.
Evolving regulations, inconsistent definitions, limited data availability, litigation risk, toxicity & bioaccumulation, changing consumer expectations and the vast variety of PFAS compounds make this a particularly difficult problem.
IBM has developed AI-driven technology and collaborated with clients in various industries to accelerate the discovery of sustainable materials. We are now leveraging and advancing that technology to address PFAS-related challenges on three fronts:
- Identification: What PFAS exposure do I have in my products, processes and supply chain?
- Substitution: Are there existing, suitable “safe” alternatives?
- Discovery: If no substitutes exist, how can I develop new replacements?
The event will be held on March 27, 2025, from 10 am to 4 pm (followed by a cocktail reception), at IBM Research — Almaden in San Jose, California.
Agenda
09:00 Arrival, registration, welcome coffee
10:00 IBM Research and Sustainability Overview
- Overview of IBM Research
- IBM internal sustainability perspective
- Impact of AI on the regulated materials industry
10:45 Industry Perspective
- SEMI Update: PFAS Regulations, Research, and Supply Chain
11:30 IBM Perspective
A view on how AI can help to address safer materials questions on 3 fronts:
- Identification: What exposure do I have in my products, processes and supply chain?
- Substitution: Are there existing, suitable “safe” alternatives?
- Discovery: If no substitutes exist, how can I develop new replacements?
IBM Safer Materials Advisor demo
12:30 Lunch
13:30 Science Perspective
- The value of public/private collaborations and broad access to chemical hazard data to help ensure safer products and materials
14:15 YOUR Perspective
- Round table led by IBM Research
- Discuss industry challenges, solution strategies, urgency / priorities
14:45 Afternoon Break
15:00 Panel Discussion (Industry – Science – Legislation)
- Important take-aways from the day
- Wrap-up, outlook and next steps
16:00 Reception
The Summit will feature interactive round table discussions and presentations on topics such as:
- Rapidly evolving global regulatory landscape
- Best-in-class approaches to assess PFAS liability exposure
- How to avoid regrettable substitutions
- Updates and demos of latest safer materials technology from IBM
To express interest in participating, please reach out to Phil Vogel.
Erica Webber
James Amano
Gabrielle Rigutto
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