Xudong Lv, co-founder of QuanMol Tech, Xudong Lv believes in this interview that technology can only be considered successful if it addresses real-life needs, saying Lv’s experience accumulated through research in quantum physics led to important discoveries in basic physics about the behavior of small particles that bring new waves industrial revolution. Combining discovery with AI technology, Lv has launched QuanMol Tech to deliver innovative services used to accelerate drug design.
Can you explain what QuanMol Tech does?
We use AI-powered computational methods to understand molecular properties and thereby provide solutions to accelerate molecular design. Molecular properties, including color and structure, can be applied in various scenarios, such as medicine, energy, and chemicals. For example, if a molecule is needed to solve the problem of human aging, then the design of this molecule can be done on a computer using our technology. Existing methods are based on either AI or computational chemistry, but not both. No other method can combine AI and computational chemistry as effectively as QuanMol. That’s what sets QuanMol apart.
You have a lot of research experience. What is the main focus of your research?
My research is in quantum physics. Specifically, it is to understand the interaction between molecules, atoms, and light from the point of view of physical principles, which is also the scientific basis of QuanMol. In my current research, we use super-cooled neutral atoms to perform quantum computing. This is the best technical way to create quantum bits (qubits) and form quantum computers on a large scale. There are companies commercializing this approach, including a team from Berkeley (associated with a Ph.D. lab) and a team from Harvard. Both have attracted significant attention from the capital markets. Quantum computing will bring a new wave of industrial revolution in the future.
I have a long-term interest in the medical applications of quantum physics. For example, Ph.D. research, “High contrast dual-mode optics and 13C magnetic resonance imaging in diamond particles,” published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, presented the technique I invented to increase the accuracy of MRI detection. I succeeded in increasing the intensity of the original signal by about 1000 times. This is useful for medical treatment, cancer detection, and other precision measurements. Subsequent work uses the principle of molecule-atom interactions to improve imaging and visualization technologies.
I see you have rich experience as a community leader, being the chairman of GCEA (Global Chinese Entrepreneur Alliance) and a board member of CEO (Organization of Chinese Entrepreneurs).
You are also an investor yourself. Can you describe how this experience helped you fund QuanMol?
Science and technology drive progress in the modern world. However, skilled technology leaders must transform good science and concepts, take them from the laboratory to the production level and deliver them to the general public. In my opinion, three elements are essential to do this – good science and technology, entrepreneurial skills, and capital. I am a physicist by training and want to manage all three aspects in order to lead technology transfer and bring social and economic impact. In the case of QuanMol, the industry knowledge I amassed through my executive role with CEO and GCEA gave me a deep understanding of pain points in the industry and helped me cultivate skills to identify and develop potential markets and clients. My investment expertise and entrepreneurial background allow me to see the big picture needed to develop a company’s strategy and roadmap.
Did you also study Economics and Physics?
A: I am interested in both Economics and Physics. I was first guaranteed a place in the Physics program at Peking University because I stood out in the national physics Olympiad in high school. I firmly believe that scientific innovation can change the world. But later, I realized that it requires theoretical research or academic studies to create useful technological innovations. From my point of view, the most difficult part of bringing about a life-changing impact is the industrialization of the new science. We need leaders to bring capital and technology together. That’s what I wanted to work on, so I decided to take some courses on the business side as well.
Based on your past experience, what do you find most challenging about your role at QuanMol, and what are your goals?
QuanMol is a startup and our core team members have to take care of almost every little thing. I am primarily responsible for funding and strategy creation. I have experience in entrepreneurship and am well known among investors. And my job is also to create business plans for products, technology paths, development priorities as well as milestones. This is a challenge because it requires a deep understanding of technology and business.
QuanMol is a revolutionary product for chemists. This type of product has never existed before, and it will be a challenge for the market to understand our pioneering idea. But as more companies adopt our technology and launch new treatment drugs cheaper and faster, great traction will be created, with more companies seeking to improve their R&D operations by using QuanMol. That’s what I see as success.