Innovating with AI in the Specialty Chemicals Industry
Connected data, AI, and advanced modeling are helping scientists accelerate research and develop more sustainable materials.
By MIT Technology Review Insights | November 9, 2026 — In partnership with Infosys
Overview
As companies look to accelerate innovation with artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced modeling, the primary challenge is connecting new technologies to reliable data, scientific expertise, and the practical realities of bringing products to market. For specialty chemicals manufacturer Lubrizol, digital transformation is all about giving researchers the tools to test ideas faster, make better-informed decisions, and develop more sustainable materials without compromising performance.
Building a Connected Digital Foundation
Girish Rao, vice president of information technology at Lubrizol, says the company is building a digital foundation that connects business processes, modern data platforms, and cloud infrastructure. By unifying previously fragmented data sources, this foundation enables AI and advanced modeling to work from consistent, high-quality inputs—a prerequisite for trustworthy results in scientific research and development.
From Faster Experimentation to More Sustainable Materials
With connected data and AI-driven modeling in place, researchers can test ideas faster, evaluate trade-offs more rigorously, and make better-informed decisions. The aim is not innovation for its own sake but practical outcomes: developing more sustainable materials while preserving the performance characteristics customers depend on—increasingly a defining requirement in the specialty chemicals market.
This content was produced in partnership with Infosys.