Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, numerous Chinese tech enterprises are adjusting their global strategies, often downplaying their origins. In this landscape, DP Technology, an innovative startup specializing in applying artificial intelligence to molecular simulations, distinguishes itself. Operating under the moniker “Deep Potential,” DP is driven by the belief in the unifying force of “scientific research for humanity” as it charts its course for global expansion.
Established in 2018, with the esteemed mathematician Weinan E as its advisor, DP offers a suite of tools for scientific computing. This involves leveraging computer simulations of mathematical models, a pivotal element in technological advancement and scientific inquiry, according to the University of Waterloo. Scientific computing, facilitated by DP’s tools, spans diverse fields, including biopharmaceutical research, automotive design, and semiconductor development.
While the contemporary focus on AI revolves around text, image, and video generation, DP occupies a unique niche by integrating machine learning, which enables computers to learn autonomously from provided data, with molecular simulations. This convergence enhances the speed and accuracy of simulations, addressing real-world challenges in fields such as biopharmaceuticals and materials development.
DP’s CEO and founder, Sun Weijie, highlighted the limitations of traditional trial-and-error-based approaches in industrial development and emphasized the need for a transformative research and development paradigm to meet the escalating demands for technological advancements. DP responds to this imperative by offering software solutions for industry players to streamline the discovery and development of new products. This includes a scientific computing platform for simulating physical properties and a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform dedicated to preclinical studies in drug discovery.
In a departure from merely supplying software, DP also provides tailored services and conducts R&D processes for its clients, a combination of SaaS and service business models that has yielded success in China. Anticipating contracts worth nearly 100 million yuan ($14 million) in 2023, DP is now poised to extend its proven strategy to Western markets, despite facing stiff competition from well-funded giants like DeepMind.
Sun acknowledged the financial disparity, likening DP to “the poor kids” compared to industry leaders, but emphasized the company’s resilience and global mindset. Despite being based in Beijing, DP’s international ambitions were not intentional, initially driven by the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruption of international exchanges.
Currently eyeing the U.S. market, DP plans to open an office and collaborate with a local partner for product distribution. The startup aims to bolster its reputation through its open-source scientific computing community, DeepModeling, and participation in industry events. However, potential challenges loom due to the U.S.-China decoupling, especially in scientific research. Sun remains optimistic about science’s resilience, asserting that basic science and biopharmaceuticals, being shared and inclusive fields, will weather geopolitical complications.
