Merck and ChemLex partner via MOU to integrate AI-driven automation into R&D, accelerating chemical discovery, efficiency, and data-rich innovation.
Merck, a global leader in science and technology, and ChemLex, a Singapore-based innovation company specializing in AI-enabled automated chemical synthesis, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore a strategic collaboration aimed at reshaping research and development models through advanced automation and data-driven chemistry.
Under the MOU, Merck and ChemLex will jointly assess opportunities to integrate their complementary strengths in order to accelerate discovery and innovation. The agreement highlights a shared ambition to enhance productivity, consistency, and scalability across chemical research workflows, particularly in early-stage discovery and development activities spanning Merck’s life science and electronics businesses.
The collaboration framework is designed to combine Merck’s extensive scientific knowledge, translational research capabilities, and global R&D experience with ChemLex’s proprietary automated chemistry platform. ChemLex’s system leverages artificial intelligence, continuous operation, and closed-loop feedback to generate high-quality experimental data at speed and scale. By aligning these capabilities, the two companies aim to shorten experimental cycles, improve reproducibility, and unlock new efficiencies in chemical synthesis and optimization.
As part of the initial phase, Merck and ChemLex plan to identify chemistry programs where automation and AI can deliver the greatest impact. Potential areas of cooperation outlined under the MOU include automated synthesis, reaction condition optimization, high-throughput experimentation, and the integration of digital chemistry platforms into existing R&D infrastructures. These exploratory efforts are expected to inform defined pathways toward deeper collaboration in the future.
Commenting on the agreement, Marc Horn, President of Merck China, emphasized that the MOU reflects Merck’s broader strategy to embed digital technologies within its research operations. He noted that integrating AI and automation into R&D processes is central to the company’s efforts to accelerate innovation, enhance scientific output, and ultimately deliver greater value to customers across its business sectors.
From ChemLex’s perspective, the collaboration represents a significant opportunity to validate and refine its technology in real-world, large-scale research environments. Sean Lin, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ChemLex, highlighted that the company’s automated chemical synthesis platform operates continuously and uses AI-driven feedback loops to push the boundaries of efficiency and precision in experimental chemistry. He added that working closely with Merck’s research teams will allow ChemLex to expand application scenarios for its technology while jointly exploring the future direction of intelligent, automated chemical research.
Beyond immediate technical objectives, the signing of the MOU underscores both organizations’ commitment to data-rich, scalable experimental science and long-term partnership building. The agreement reflects a shared belief that the convergence of chemistry, automation, and artificial intelligence will play a defining role in the next generation of R&D models. Following the MOU, Merck and ChemLex will continue discussions to evaluate concrete next steps, governance structures, and potential pilot projects under the collaboration framework.
