Safer Materials Workshop Zurich 2025

This event is by invitation only.

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 April 3, 2025, from 9am to 4 pm (followed by an Apéro riche), at IBM Research — Zurich in Rüschlikon, Switzerland.

To express interest in participating, please reach out to Sandra Caduff.

Agenda

09:30 Arrival, registration, welcome coffee

09:45 Welcome and Overview

• Introduction to the day and overview of IBM Research
• AI for Accelerated Discovery

10:15 Industry Perspective

• Understanding PFAS – Chemistry, Properties, Applications.
• Environmental Challenges and the Regulatory Landscape.
• Consideration of the Technological Benefits of PFAS, Reduction of negative Environmental Impacts and Promotion of realistic Alternatives that are actually safer, economically viable and more sustainable.

11:15 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?
• Demos

12:30 Lunch

13:30 Science Perspective

• How to track down unknown chemicals and identify them to assess their effects on health and the environment.
• Systematic approaches to replace PFAS
• Role and challenges for data science

14:00 YOUR Perspective

• Round table led by IBM Research
• Discuss industry challenges, solution strategies, urgency / priorities

14:55 Wrap-up and Conclusion

15:00 Demos and Apéro Riche

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