SandboxAQ is a venture-backed enterprise SaaS company fusing artificial intelligence and quantum technology to tackle challenges for the planet.
The firm was launched by Jack Hidary in 2016 but left as an Alphabet Inc.-funded, independently spun off subsidiary in 2022 after funding from Eric Schmidt, T. Rowe Price and Marc Benioff and other partners for over $500 million raised.
The mission for SandboxAQ is to build upon both the power of AI and quantum technologies so as to develop solutions that benefit and elevate more sectors such as financial services, life sciences, navigation, and cybersecurity.
Sandbox focuses on the LQMs as a primary direction so as to provide critical advancements across these industries.
In December 2024, SandboxAQ announced over $300 million in funding to speed up the development of its LQMs and scale up its computational chemistry capabilities.
One of the achievements of its AQChemSim subsidiary is improvements in battery design and chemical production through collaboration with leading companies like NVIDIA and NOVONIX.
They also introduced AQMed, with a focus on medical technology innovation such as CardiAQ for heart signal analysis.
SandboxAQ Raises Over $300M at $5.6B Valuation
SandboxAQ has managed to raise more than $300 million in funding, pushing its valuation to about $5.6 billion. This funding round was announced on December 18, 2024 and it was led by some of the investors including Fred Alger Management, T. Rowe Price and Breyer Capital among others.
The funds will be channeled to accelerate development of the Large Quantitative Models by SandboxAQ into other artificial intelligence applications which include healthcare, finance, drug discovery, materials science, and cybersecurity.
According to Jack Hidary, CEO for SandboxAQ, LQMs differ from the generally used large language models, LLMs, which are implemented in generative AI mainly because they tackle very complex challenges in science and business.
This investment follows on the back of a $500 million previous round focused on developing a quantum computing platform for commercial use. It is hoped that this one will improve SandboxAQ’s strengths in providing AI solutions for the enterprise market.
According to Eric Schmidt, former chief executive officer of Google and the chairman of SandboxAQ, businesses require LQMs to fully leverage their return from investments on AI technologies.
SandboxAQ Reaches Milestone in Advancing Battery Shelf-Life Testing and Predictive Maintenance for the US Army
SandboxAQ has reached a milestone in developing better battery shelf-life testing and predictive maintenance for the US Army, as reported on December 9, 2024.
The development is part of a joint program with the Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) and its Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center.
The firm has compiled an extensive dataset comprising over 2 million hours of lab and simulated testing of lithium-ion batteries, specifically 18650 cylinder cells.
This dataset allows for the simulation of various real-world conditions affecting battery performance, such as aging at different temperatures and discharge rates.
The data collected will be used to train SandboxAQ’s LQMs, which are designed to give accurate predictions regarding battery performance and maintenance requirements. This method reduces the time needed for traditional shelf-life testing methods.
Unlike traditional approaches that depend heavily on proxy tests and extrapolation, which may not always yield accurate predictions, the AI-based models developed by SandboxAQ are expected to provide accurate assessments of battery status.
This is critical for ensuring that batteries meet the strict military requirements, which can range from 2 to 20 years in shelf life.
SandboxAQ Publishes Scientific and Technical Milestones for Quantitative Methods
On December 5, 2024, SandboxAQ announced scientific and technical milestones that highlight advancements in their Large Quantitative Models, which is set to transform various industries in biopharma, materials science and battery technology.
Since SandboxAQ separated from Alphabet Inc. in 2022, its scientists have posted milestones in quantum chemistry.
The firm has obtained the biggest-ever N^3 DFT simulation to date and scaled the DMRG approach up to unprecedented sizes, so biochemical complexes such as transition metal metalloenzymes.
It was with the assistance of NVIDIA and other partnerships that SandboxAQ sped up computational chemistry processes. The first-principles models so developed have become accurate in predicting chemical and material properties.
One of the achievements is the development of a battery lifecycle LQM that enables predictions with 35 times greater accuracy and requires 50 times less data than traditional AI models.
This innovation reduces testing time for new batteries by 95%, which is important for improving battery reliability and performance in various applications.
The advancements in LQMs are expected to have implications for drug discovery, allowing for faster identification of new therapeutic candidates and optimization of clinical development processes.
Adam Lewis, Head of LQM Research at SandboxAQ, addressed the importance of these models in reliability and predictive accuracy in domains such as battery technology.
SandboxAQ’s Large Quantitative Models Help Decrease Battery Life Prediction Time by 95%
SandboxAQ has made a milestone in the field of Large Quantitative Models, which have reportedly cut down the time needed to predict the EOL of lithium-ion batteries by 95%.
This achievement allows for predictions on battery life in just days, instead of the traditional methods that often take months or even years.
The LQMs give 35 times more accurate results than traditional methods and provide better predictions of battery performance.
These models require 50 times less data than traditional AI models, which makes a lot of difference in the process of prediction.
The LQMs have been trained on over 4 million hours of Ultra-High Precision Coulometry (UHPC) cycle data from NOVONIX, the leading battery technology company. This large dataset allows these models to capture very minor variations in battery performance.
This is important since the traditional process for battery design takes about 5-10 years with a high failure rate.
Testing time can be reduced, which enables manufacturers to accelerate the development and commercialization of new battery technologies.
Is SandboxAQ Owned by Google?
SandboxAQ is an independent company and not a subsidiary of Google. SandboxAQ was spun off from Alphabet Inc., which is Google’s parent company, in March 2022.
It was originally founded within Google in 2016 and focused on quantum computing technology and artificial intelligence.
Since the spin-off, SandboxAQ has continued developing solutions based on these technologies across sectors that include health care, telecom and cybersecurity.
While SandboxAQ maintains close connections to its roots at Google, such as having former Google CEO Eric Schmidt as its chairman, it is an independent company and has investors that include venture capital firms and leaders in technology.
The spin-off means that Alphabet does not have any equity in SandboxAQ, which can pursue its business goals and innovations in AI and quantum technology independently.
What Does SandboxAQ Do?
SandboxAQ is an enterprise SaaS company that integrates AI and quantum technology to address complex societal challenges across various sectors.
Its focus is on developing Large Quantitative Models, which can easily solve problems that other models fail to solve or do slowly, especially in healthcare, materials science and cybersecurity.
AQBioSim is the division under which SandboxAQ accelerates neurodegenerative diseases and discovers biomarkers for faster clinical development processes.
Research with top academic institutions and biopharma companies seek to optimize the development of therapeutic molecules.
The AQChemSim division has made advancements in battery technology, reducing lithium-ion battery life prediction time by 95% while increasing accuracy by 35 times. This improvement allows for faster innovation cycles in battery design and testing.
The AQMed division is developing the CardiAQ device, which utilizes magnetocardiography to provide more accurate heart condition diagnostics.
SandboxAQ is a post-RSA cybersecurity solutions provider with support for transitioning to a post-quantum cryptography PQC approach to help an enterprise beef up its defenses before quantum computing.
AQNav is GPS-free navigation intended for the defense and commercial aerospace marketplace.
The company works with big consulting companies, such as Accenture and Deloitte, to expand AI-powered solutions to various industries.
Also Read: Latest AI Startup News, Funding, Companies, Jobs and More – 2024
Who is the CEO of SandboxAQ?
The CEO of SandboxAQ is Jack Hidary. He has headed the company since its spin-off from Alphabet Inc. in January 2022.
Hidary is known for his skills in both artificial intelligence and quantum technology and he has made contributions to the focus of SandboxAQ, such as developing Large Quantitative Models to tackle a broad range of challenges facing many industries, such as health, materials science and cybersecurity.
How Much is SandboxAQ Worth?
SandboxAQ is now worth over $5.6 billion, as a recent funding round in which the company raised more than $300 million. This fund will be used to accelerate its Large Quantitative Models and to extend its applications in health, materials science and other sectors.
Where is SandboxAQ Located?
SandboxAQ is located at 780 High Street, Palo Alto, California 94301, USA. Some of the company’s other offices exist in New York, NY, and Arlington, VA.
Sandboxaq Careers
SandboxAQ is still hiring in various positions, especially in artificial intelligence and quantum technology.
Current Job Openings
- Hardware Test Engineer – AQMed
- Senior Hardware Systems Engineer – AQNav
- Solutions Architect – AQNav
- Customer Engagement Manager
- Navigation Software Engineer
- Detection and Response Engineer
- Research Scientist specializing in Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs)
- Technical Product Manager for BioSim
If you’d like to learn more about the open positions or apply, check their careers page or Built In and LinkedIn.
Sandboxaq Revenue
In 2024, SandboxAQ generated revenues of $17.8 million. Compared to its previous year’s $10.6 million in 2023, it has improved greatly. SandboxAQ since its establishment, has managed to record growth, though the revenues only began in 2022 at $196,000.
Core Technologies of Sandboxaq
Quantum Computing
SandboxAQ applies quantum computing principles to improve its software offerings. Instead of designing quantum computers, the firm creates software that applies quantum physics to model complex systems in ways that allow for more accurate simulations and predictions in a wide range of fields.
Artificial Intelligence
The company uses Large Quantitative Models, which are different from other AI models since they create data through equations. This method produces more accurate data, especially in scientific and business contexts.
Quantum Security
The company develops solutions for post-quantum cryptography using its AQtive Guard platform. The technology allows organizations to manage their cryptographic assets and provides data security against emerging quantum threats.
Simulation and Sensing Technologies
Quantum sensors and advanced AI power SandboxAQ to unlock new insights in navigation, medical devices and imaging. They’re putting these technologies to work in the real world, including the US Air Force’s GPS-denied navigation systems.
SandboxAQ Major Products and Solutions
Quantum-Resistant Cryptography Solutions
One of the products of SandboxAQ is its Security Suite, which encompasses agile cryptography to protect sensitive data from today’s cyber threats and those yet to come.
This suite includes Post-Quantum Cryptography, which guarantees security against emerging threats by quantum computers.
The company also comes with cryptographic key management, which enables centralized management of cryptographic assets including policy enforcement and remediation capabilities.
The company has been awarded a contract by the Defense Information Systems Agency of the United States for developing prototype quantum-resistant cryptography solutions specifically for national defense use cases.
AI-Driven Analytical Platforms
The company also utilizes AI-based computational algorithms to enhance quantum simulations and data analytics through their AI-driven analytical platforms. These platforms enable rapid predictive modeling, accelerating research and development processes in various fields, including drug discovery and materials science.
By optimizing performance across physical, mechanical and biological systems through advanced data analysis techniques.
Healthcare Innovations
The company focuses on the health care sector to improve diagnostics and treatment processes with the aid of advanced technologies.
Its work in magnetocardiography uses quantum sensing technology in collaboration with AI for improving medical diagnostic tools that will help visualize and analyze heart conditions more efficiently.
Moreover, the company works with academic institutions to improve the drug discovery process, especially in the area of developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases using simulations.
Government and Defense Applications
SandboxAQ’s products are also customized for the government and defense sectors with critical applications such as GPS-denied navigation. Their high-end navigation solutions operate in a GPS-less environment.
Their quantum sensing technology supports geo-magnetic navigation and enhances situational awareness in defense applications.
In a nutshell, SandboxAQ’s products and solutions ensure robust security, efficiency and innovation in a wide range of industries through the combination of AI and quantum technologies.
SandboxAQ Partnerships and Collaborations
Corporate Partnerships
Accenture: SandboxAQ has now extended partnership with Accenture to advance enterprise-level data encryption and security that is future-proof against emerging threats from AI/quantum computing. Together, these two companies will help organizations better see and monitor cyber risks.
Vodafone Business: Partnering to deliver AI-driven solutions aimed at solving business problems specific to the telecommunication field.
Nvidia: The company is partnered with Nvidia to integrate Large Quantitative Models from SandboxAQ with Nvidia’s accelerated computing technologies.
Academic and Research Collaborations
University Partnerships: SandboxAQ has partnered with more than 30 leading global universities to augment AI, quantum and STEM curricula. It is working collaboratively to co-train at the master’s and Ph.D. levels, involving hands-on experience in new-age technologies.
Good Chemistry: Acquisition of Good Chemistry for $75 million is an important milestone in the pharmaceutical sector. Advanced drug discovery through collaborative research with academia is now possible.
Government Partnerships
US Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA): SandboxAQ is developing quantum-resistant cryptography solutions in collaboration with DISA under its cybersecurity initiatives.
US Air Force & Department of Health & Human Services: The company is a trusted partner to various government agencies, providing solutions that leverage AI and quantum technologies for national security and public health applications.
Recent SandboxAQ News
On December 18, 2024, SandboxAQ disclosed that it had raised more than $300 million in funding, which increased its valuation to about $5.6 billion. The investment is from firms such as Fred Alger Management and T. Rowe Price.
AQ’s SandboxAQ’s AQBioSim division made major moves in 2024 to advance drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases by partnering with several of the world’s premier academic institutions. The firm is using LQMs in identifying new biomarkers and streamlining clinical development processes for biopharmaceuticals.
The AQChemSim division has made breakthroughs in material design, doubling computational chemistry capabilities with collaborations with NVIDIA. It improves the speed and accuracy to predict lithium-ion battery lifespan.
SandboxAQ launched CardiAQ, a magnetocardiography device. It is an investigational medical device that is being developed with the help of many large medical institutions, including The Mayo Clinic.
The United States Army has extended its contract with SandboxAQ to further develop AQNav technology, a product that addresses challenges related to GPS jamming and spoofing.
The company Partners with Accenture to Increase Organizations’ Data Encryption Capability against Emerging Cyber Threats Generated by AI and Quantum Computing.
SandboxAQ Provided Funding for Two Full Scholarships at Trinity College Dublin for its Quantum Science and Technology Master’s Program.
Clarivate Named SandboxAQ a “Company to Watch” for Innovative Use of AI and Machine Learning in Drug Discovery and Life Sciences.
SandboxAQ has partnered with leading companies such as Accenture and Deloitte.
The company has progressed in AI-driven research, especially in drug discovery through its AQBioSim division, working with leading academic institutions.
SandboxAQ has released a generative AI application called IDOLPro in 2024. It is an application that rapidly designs drug molecules with specific properties to enhance drug discovery efforts.
The company is planning to hire more engineers with the new funding in place to develop quantum technology into its AI models.