# Merck Partners with ChemLex to Accelerate AI-Driven Chemistry

> Merck and Singapore-based ChemLex have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance automated chemistry experiments and next-generation laboratory workflows. The collaboration aims to accelerate R&D processes across areas such as automated synthesis, reaction optimization, and high-throughput experimentation.

Published: 2026-01-20T08:37:00+00:00
Language: en
Categories: [Mergers and Acquisitions](https://chemexworld.com/en/categories/business-world-markets/mergers-and-acquisitions.md), [R&D](https://chemexworld.com/en/categories/research/rd.md), [Asia](https://chemexworld.com/en/categories/regions/asia.md)

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## Content

Merck and ChemLex have agreed on a collaborative framework designed to make chemical research and development faster, more efficient, and more reproducible. Under the signed memorandum of understanding (MoU), the two companies will jointly explore automation-driven approaches to support new discoveries, particularly in the life sciences and electronics sectors.

### Areas of Collaboration

According to the announcement, Merck and ChemLex will evaluate cooperation opportunities in the following areas:

- automated chemical synthesis,

- reaction optimization,

- high-throughput experimental setups,

- integration of chemistry platforms.

In the initial phase, the partners aim to identify programs with the potential to deliver “high impact” and to define concrete next steps for implementation.

### Merck: “Accelerating digital transformation and innovation”

Marc Horn, President of Merck China, positioned the agreement as part of the company’s broader digitalization strategy in R&D. Horn stated:
“This strategic partnership with ChemLex demonstrates our commitment to embracing digital transformation and accelerating innovation by integrating artificial intelligence and automation into our R&D operations. Through this collaboration, we aim to create greater value for our customers.”

### ChemLex: “A closed-loop system operating 24/7”

Dr. Sean Lin, Founder and CEO of ChemLex, highlighted the company’s AI-driven platform. Lin said:
“Our chemical synthesis platform, powered by artificial intelligence and equipped with a closed-loop feedback mechanism operating 24/7, is redefining the boundaries of synthesis efficiency. Deep collaboration with Merck China will provide an opportunity to validate and further develop our technology across a broader range of use cases.”

Both parties noted that this framework is intended to strengthen an approach centered on “scalable, data-rich experimental science” and to foster long-term partnerships at the intersection of chemistry and automation.

***Source**: prnewswire.com*