$4 million project to create 115 high-paying jobs and accelerate AI-driven materials discovery
BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Radical AI, a fast-growing scientific research and development company focused on next-generation inorganic materials, will establish New York’s first fully autonomous materials science laboratory at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, marking a major expansion of the city’s deep-tech and artificial intelligence ecosystem.
The company will renovate space in Building 20 to create a state-of-the-art headquarters and advanced research facility capable of running approximately 100 AI-driven experiments per day. The $4 million project is expected to generate 115 new high-paying jobs in materials science, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
Empire State Development (ESD) is supporting the project with up to $2 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits.
Advancing AI-Driven Innovation
State leaders say the investment reinforces New York’s strategy to attract and grow next-generation industries.
Governor Kathy Hochul said the project strengthens New York’s leadership in AI, advanced manufacturing, and deep-tech research while turning cutting-edge science into economic opportunity and high-wage employment.
ESD President and CEO Hope Knight noted that the project blends AI, advanced research, and job creation in a field that influences nearly every sector of the global economy, from energy to infrastructure and manufacturing.
Accelerating Materials Discovery
Founded in 2024, Radical AI has rapidly evolved from a small research team into a scaling deep-tech company operating at the intersection of AI, robotics, and materials chemistry. The company currently employs about 34 scientists, engineers, and technologists.
Its autonomous platform uses AI and robotics to discover and test new inorganic materials at speeds far beyond traditional R&D methods. The company reports its high-throughput model can accelerate materials discovery by up to 370 times, compressing timelines that historically took decades into years or months.
CEO and Co-Founder Joseph Krause said the new facility will enable continuous, data-driven experimentation, creating a feedback loop that strengthens AI performance over time and speeds commercialization.
Facility Investment and Capabilities
Radical AI plans to convert existing office space into a fully outfitted advanced laboratory featuring:
- Robotics systems and autonomous experimentation platforms
- Specialized materials testing equipment
- Gas lines and upgraded safety systems
- Modernized lab layouts and infrastructure
The lab will focus exclusively on AI-driven discovery of new inorganic materials with applications across aerospace, energy, infrastructure, defense, and manufacturing.
Strengthening NYC’s Innovation Ecosystem
Economic development leaders say the project reinforces New York City’s position as a global hub for applied AI and advanced research.
Officials from NYCEDC highlighted the company’s role in expanding the city’s applied AI ecosystem and creating future-focused jobs while supporting sustainable materials innovation.
Regional economic leaders also emphasized that investments in next-generation industries create ripple effects statewide, benefiting communities beyond New York City.
Funding and Partnerships
Radical AI has raised $55 million in seed funding led by RTX Ventures, with participation from NVentures (NVIDIA), Noa, Eni, Infinite Capital, and AlleyCorp.
The company is also:
- A U.S. Department of Energy partner in the White House Genesis Mission
- An Air Force AFWERX contract holder for hypersonic materials development
