Podcast: The Future of Formulation_ Using AI to Formulate and Deformulate

Tune into our latest podcast with Yahya Syed from Potion AI along with our hosts, Florian take us on a journey of understanding how AI is transforming formulation and deformulation in the chemical industry.

In this conversation, you will learn how AI-driven tools like Potion AI streamline R&D, reducing time-to-market and improving precision and compliance. Deformulation, or reverse engineering formulations, is now faster and more accurate, helping companies create better more sustainable alternatives.

Beyond formulation, AI provides data-driven insights, allowing businesses to predict market trends, optimize raw material selection, and align with sustainability goals.

As AI continues to evolve, its role in enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and innovation will only grow. Companies that embrace AI today will lead the future of chemical development.

Introduction

Florian Brunet:
Potion AI is a Silicon Valley-based startup revolutionizing the way personal care ingredients and products are developed using AI technology. Today, we’ll be discussing how AI is transforming the chemical industry, particularly in formulation and deformulation, and how it’s reshaping R&D, product development, and compliance. Yahya, welcome to the podcast!

Yahya Syed:
Thank you, Florian. I'm really excited to be here and to discuss how AI is driving digital transformation in the chemical industry.

How Potion AI Started

Florian:
Yahya, before we dive into AI’s impact on formulation, can you tell us more about Potion AI and how it all started?

Yahya:
Of course! Potion AI started in a rather unconventional way. My co-founders and I initially tried to launch our own skincare brand. I even travelled to South Korea to study the latest innovations in personal care. During this process, we realized how difficult and time-consuming formulation can be—from sourcing ingredients to working with contract manufacturers.

One of my co-founders, Alex, has a PhD in Applied Math with a focus on Deep Learning, and we saw an opportunity to apply AI to the physical world—helping companies develop better products, faster and more efficiently. That’s how Potion AI was born!

How AI is Transforming Formulation & Deformulation

Florian:
That’s a fascinating journey! So, how does AI help in formulation and deformulation?

Yahya:
AI can dramatically accelerate R&D by simulating lab experiments, optimizing ingredient selection, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

With formulation, AI helps product developers quickly test ingredient combinations and predict performance outcomes before even entering the lab. This reduces costs and speeds up innovation.

With deformulation, Potion AI allows companies to reverse-engineer existing products to understand ingredient compositions. This helps brands create sustainable alternatives and improved formulations in a fraction of the time.

The Role of AI in Market Trends & Predictions

Florian:
Beyond formulation, how can AI help companies anticipate market trends?

Yahya:
AI can analyse consumer behaviour, ingredient performance, and social media trends to help brands predict which products will succeed. Companies can use these insights to stay ahead of demand shifts and innovate faster.

For example, if there’s a growing trend for natural alternatives, AI can identify emerging ingredients and recommend eco-friendly substitutions before competitors catch on.

AI & Regulatory Compliance

Florian:
Regulatory compliance is a huge challenge in the chemical industry. How does Potion AI help with regulatory and documentation processes?

Yahya:
Regulatory compliance is incredibly complex because rules vary by region, retailer, and product type. Potion AI automates regulatory checks by analysing ingredient data against global compliance standards.

This ensures companies can navigate restrictions efficiently and avoid costly delays. AI can also help with documentation requests—freeing up R&D teams to focus on innovation rather than paperwork.

Looking to the Future: AI-Powered Agents & Automation

Florian:
We’ve seen rapid AI advancements, especially since the rise of ChatGPT and AI-driven assistants. What’s next for AI in the chemical industry?

Yahya:
The next big development is AI-powered agents—automated systems that can handle supplier communication, regulatory tasks, and data analysis.

For example, an R&D professional could use an AI assistant to request updated documentation from suppliers instead of spending hours on administrative work. This allows scientists to focus on creativity and problem-solving rather than routine tasks.

In the near future, we’ll see AI tools enhancing formulation, optimizing sustainability, and making predictive recommendations in real-time.

Closing Thoughts

Florian:
This has been a fascinating discussion, Yahya. Before we wrap up, what’s next for Potion AI?

Yahya:
We’re continuing to expand our AI tools to help brands, contract manufacturers, and chemical distributors accelerate product development and compliance. Our platform is free to explore, and we’d love for more companies to see how AI can transform their workflows.

Florian:
That’s amazing! Thank you, Yahya, for sharing your insights. To learn more about Potion AI, visit www.potion.ai.

And to our listeners—don’t forget to subscribe to the DKSH Digital Chemical Playbook for more insights on digital transformation in the chemical industry. See you next time!