alqem

What it does

Alqem is a Munich-based DeepTech startup building an AI-driven engine to discover and commercialise next-generation materials. The company focuses on rare-earth-free magnets to establish a European-led supply chain for critical materials. Their AI platform explores a vast search space of hundreds of millions of possible crystalline materials, aiming to find breakthrough materials that conventional methods cannot unlock.

Who it is for

Alqem serves industries that rely on advanced materials, particularly those needing high-performance magnets without rare earth elements. This includes electric vehicle manufacturers, wind turbine producers, and electronics companies seeking sustainable and geopolitically secure supply chains. The technology also benefits research institutions and material science labs looking for accelerated discovery.

Why it matters

Most materials powering today's technologies were discovered decades ago. Humans have only discovered about 50,000 to 100,000 crystalline materials out of a search space of at least hundreds of millions—meaning 99.9% of possible materials remain undiscovered. By combining AI with deep domain expertise, Alqem can unlock these hidden materials, validated in the real world. This is critical for reducing dependence on rare earth elements, which are subject to supply chain vulnerabilities and environmental concerns.

Launch signal

Alqem is led by Dr. Hanh Nguyen, a researcher with 15 years of experience in the chemical and energy industry. The CTO, Tiago Cerqueira, co-built Alexandria, the largest and most widely used open materials database. Milan Allan, an LMU Professor, adds experimental physics expertise. The startup has secured pre-seed funding and is actively building its team.

Brand and naming

The name "alqem" is a stylized, short form that suggests alchemy—the ancient practice of transforming materials. This aligns with the company's mission to discover new materials. The name is memorable and distinctive, though its pronunciation may not be immediately obvious. The brand positions itself at the intersection of AI and deep materials science, emphasizing a European-led supply chain for critical materials.