Safer Materials Summit Almaden 2025

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.