Safer Materials Summit Almaden 2025

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. _Times on this page are displayed in your current local time zone. _

Why attend

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.

Speakers

CS
Christina Shim

Christina Shim

Chief Sustainability Officer
IBM
EW
Erica Webber

Erica Webber

Director, Research Alliances
IBM Research
JS
John R. Smith

John R. Smith

IBM Fellow, Accelerated Discovery Lead
IBM Research
JA
James Amano

James Amano

Senior Director, EHS and Sustainability
SEMI
DS
Dan Sanders

Dan Sanders

Senior Manager, Materials Discovery
IBM Research
JP
Jed Pitera

Jed Pitera

Strategy Co-lead, Sustainable Materials
IBM Research

Agenda

    • Overview of IBM Research ​
    • IBM internal sustainability perspective​
    • Impact of AI on the regulated materials industry
  • SEMI Update: PFAS Regulations, Research, and Supply Chain

  • 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

  • The value of public/private collaborations and broad access to chemical hazard data to help ensure safer products and materials.

    • Round table led by IBM Research​
    • Discuss industry challenges, solution strategies, urgency / priorities
    • Important take-aways from the day​
    • Wrap-up, outlook and next steps​

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