Episode 118: The Molecular Universe with SES AI
From Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast by Taylor Sparks and Andrew Falkowski
May 18, 2026 · 44 min · Episode 118
About this episode
Taylor and Andrew discuss with Dr. Qichao Hu how AI is transforming battery discovery and the evolution of SES AI.
What if you could know which batteries are worth building before you actually build them? Taylor and Andrew sit down with Dr. Qichao Hu, founder of SES AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping battery discovery and his experience in the field. From his decision to ditch solid state electrolytes and double down on liquid, to building a suite of simulation tools that map molecules all the way up to full cell performance. Dr. Hu lays out how SES went from lithium metal battery startup to offering their hard-won design tools as a platform for the rest of the industry. This episode of the Materialism Podcast is sponsored by SES AI. To learn more about their tools and how they can benefit you check out their website. [LINK] This episode of the Materialism Podcast is sponsored by Momentum Transfer. Visit their website for more details about their measurement services. [LINK] The Materialism Podcast is sponsored by Materials Today, an Elsevier community dedicated to the creation and sharing of materials science knowledge and experience through their peer-reviewed journals, academic conferences, educational webinars, and more. [LINK] Thanks to Kolobyte and Alphabot for…
People in this episode
Hosts: Taylor Sparks, Andrew Falkowski
Guest: Dr. Qichao Hu
Topics covered
- battery discovery
- artificial intelligence
- materials science
- simulation tools
- lithium metal batteries
Keywords
- batteries
- AI
- solid state electrolytes
- liquid electrolytes
- simulation tools
- battery design
Sponsors
SES AI, Momentum Transfer, Materials Today
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Kolobyte, Alphabot
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