AI Robotics & Autonomy

ASCEND Project Launches With €30M for AI Chemistry

BASF and Max Planck Society join forces to accelerate sustainable catalyst development using self-driving labs.

By Kronos News Desk·April 1, 2026·1 min read

A futuristic laboratory setup showing robotic equipment and digital screens used for chemical research and AI-driven molecular discovery.
Photo: Kronos News

The ASCEND project officially launched on April 1, 2026, to transform chemical manufacturing ^[1]. The German Federal Ministry for Science, Technology and Space provided €30 million in funding for the initiative ^[1]. A consortium including BASF and the Max Planck Society will lead the research ^[1]. The team plans to use artificial intelligence and self-driving laboratories to find new catalysts ^[1]. These tools will help accelerate the development of next-generation materials for sustainable production ^[1].

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Last updated: April 1, 2026

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