Key takeaways from this newsletter:

• Modern lab informatics packages that combine data centralization with AI modeling capabilities are rapidly innovating.
• LLMs and AI agents are being incorporated into these packages to streamline the workflows of scientists.
•  These platforms will enable seamless collaboration across the lab and extend connectivity to customers as well.

Most coatings and chemical companies have either embarked on their lab digital transformation journey or are actively planning to. At the heart of this transformation lies the centralization of data—structured according to FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable). This ensures that data can be seamlessly incorporated into machine learning models which are capable of performing predictions and suggestions.

For example, given a dataset of formulations and associated property measurements:

A prediction model can estimate the properties of a formulation that hasn’t yet been created.

A suggestion model can propose the formulation needed to achieve a desired set of properties.

Software platforms that combine data centralization with modeling capabilities are increasingly being adopted across the chemicals and coatings industries. And as the lab informatics space grows more competitive, the pace of innovation in these packages is accelerating. Here are three key developments shaping the future:

Integration of Large Language Models (LLMs)

LLMs, machine learning models trained on vast text datasets, are now being embedded into lab informatics platforms to enable natural language interaction. Uncountable, for instance, has integrated LLMs into the Smart Search feature of its lab informatics package, allowing users to filter and query data using conversational prompts.(1) Their Voice Data Entry tool, also powered by LLMs, enables hands-free data input—bringing voice-driven lab workflows closer to reality.(2)

Emergence of AI Agents

AI agents are autonomous systems designed to perform tasks without constant human oversight. 

Ganymede, a lab informatics platform tailored for biologics companies, launched its AI agent platform which is currently in alpha stage  on August 6, 2025.(3) During a webinar on the same day, the company demonstrated agents capable of detecting new data files, prompting users for action, and executing appropriate analyses—all with minimal intervention.

Expanding Collaboration with Customers

Effective digital transformation  requires collaboration—not just within the lab, but ultimately across departments and even with external stakeholders. Initially, this means enabling data sharing among scientists. But as tools evolve, collaboration can extend to marketing, sales, and ultimately customers. Nouryon, a supplier to the cosmetics industry, exemplifies this shift. In partnership with Albert Invent, another lab informatics company, they launched BeautyCreations™, an AI-powered portal that allows formulators to explore Nouryon’s formulation database using natural language.(4) The tool can ask clarifying questions, refine searches, and even prompt sample requests—creating a dynamic, customer-facing discovery experience.

In Summary

The original goal, namely centralizing lab data and integrating it with AI modeling, has largely been achieved. Now, vendors are pushing further by embedding LLMs and AI agents to streamline scientists’ workflows.  These tools will facilitate collaboration in and beyond the laboratory.

(1) April 2025 – Uncountable Knowledgebase

(2)  Videos

(3)  Ganymede Launches Scientific AI Agent Platform to Accelerate Process Development, R&D, and Manufacturing | FinancialContent

(4) Nouryon introduces BeautyCreations™: a powerful new AI-driven personal care formulation discovery tool

#AI #artificial intelligence #digitaltransformation #LLM #Agenticai #uncountable #ganymede #nouryon #albertinvent #coatings #chemicals #consulting

(photo credit: picture generated by Ionos AI)