AI for Scientific Discovery – Microsoft’s Vision for the Future | Part 2
11 March 2025
In late February 2025 at the American Australian Association in New York City, Brad Smith, President of Microsoft, shed light on Microsoft’s vision for AI in an interview with Australia’s ambassador to the United States, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
I had the opportunity to be in the room for this discussion, gaining direct insight into Microsoft’s AI strategy and the broader implications for technology, business, and of course, the world of sport and entertainment.
It wasn’t just about the big picture of AI – what stood out to me was how these developments will impact real-world industries, including sports and entertainment. Speaking with others in the room, it became clear that AI’s role in shaping fan engagement, partnerships, premium service, sponsorships, and sports operations is only going to accelerate. Microsoft’s strategy, as outlined by Smith, provides a roadmap for how organizations – sports & entertainment included – should be thinking about AI today.
I found this conversation fascinating and thought others would also. As a result, I’ve created a Four-Part Series, partly assisted by AI, outlining what I consider to be the key points from this exchange and how it might affect business and sport. This article is Part 2.
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AI’s Expanding Role in Science
AI’s capability to analyze vast amounts of data at breakneck speed has made it an indispensable tool in scientific research. Whether it’s uncovering new medicines or simulating complex physical systems, AI is fundamentally reshaping the way discoveries are made.
1. Biology: Unlocking the Secrets of Life
In the realm of biology, AI is playing a crucial role in analyzing genetic data, accelerating drug discovery, and even predicting protein structures. The best-known example is Google DeepMind’s AlphaFold, which has mapped millions of protein structures—a feat that would have taken decades using traditional methods.
Microsoft supports similar research through its AI for Science initiative, empowering biologists to:
- Identify genetic markers linked to diseases.
- Model complex biochemical interactions.
- Speed up vaccine and drug development.
These breakthroughs are not just academic—they have profound implications for personalized medicine, where AI-driven insights can lead to treatments tailored to an individual’s unique genetic profile.
2. Chemistry: Revolutionizing Material Science
In chemistry, AI is a game changer for discovering new materials and optimizing chemical reactions. This is critical for developing everything from better batteries to more efficient pharmaceuticals. Microsoft’s AI-powered research tools enable chemists to:
- Predict molecular properties with extreme accuracy.
- Design novel compounds for both medical and industrial applications.
- Optimize reaction conditions to reduce waste and boost efficiency.
One standout example is the use of machine learning to identify sustainable alternatives to rare and expensive materials – a key step in building the next generation of energy storage systems and advanced electronic devices.
A conceptual view of Generative Chemistry—a discovery pipeline that simulates thousands of previously unknown molecules and filters them through a series of screening steps to suggest several promising candidates for specific applications. – Source: Microsoft
3. Physics: Simulating the Universe
In physics, AI is unlocking breakthroughs in quantum mechanics, astrophysics, and materials science. Advanced AI models now allow scientists to:
- Run complex simulations that were once computationally impossible.
- Analyze cosmic data to detect patterns in the universe’s evolution.
- Improve fusion energy research—a potential game-changer for clean energy.
Microsoft’s Azure Quantum Elements exemplifies this approach by merging AI with quantum computing, helping researchers simulate chemical and physical systems more efficiently. This could pave the way for revolutionary advances in energy, medicine, and beyond.
The Role of Universities: AI as an Incubator for Scientific Innovation
Smith stressed that Universities remain the driving force behind AI breakthroughs in science. Many of today’s most influential AI models began as academic research projects before evolving into commercial applications.
Smith believes that investors and industry leaders should keep a close eye on university research, as faculty-led startups are often the breeding ground for the next wave of AI innovation. By supporting university research, Microsoft is ensuring that AI technology isn’t just concentrated in a handful of large corporations – it’s widely accessible to scientists tackling the world’s biggest challenges.
Microsoft’s Strategic Approach: Infrastructure Over First-Party Science
Unlike Google DeepMind, which directly develops AI-powered scientific applications, Microsoft has taken a different route. Instead of focusing on first-party AI-driven research, the company prioritizes providing the infrastructure and AI capabilities that enable others to make breakthroughs.
Why Infrastructure Matters
- Scalability – By building cloud-based AI platforms like Azure AI and Azure Quantum Elements, Microsoft empowers research institutions worldwide with access to powerful computing resources.
- Collaboration – Microsoft works hand in hand with universities, government agencies, and private companies to accelerate AI-driven science.
- Efficiency – Rather than competing with specialized research labs, Microsoft focuses on equipping them with the tools that make breakthrough innovations possible.
Through initiatives like AI for Science, Microsoft is ensuring that researchers across disciplines—from biology to physics—have the AI-driven resources they need to amplify human ingenuity.
Final Thoughts: AI’s Role in Advancing Human Knowledge
As Smith said, AI’s role in science is just beginning. From speeding up drug discovery to uncovering new materials and simulating quantum systems, AI is poised to redefine the limits of what we can achieve. Microsoft’s infrastructure-first approach ensures that scientists and researchers – not just big tech companies – are armed with the tools to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.
And as AI continues to transform fields like sports technology, its impact on human progress will only grow.
Next Steps
This is Part 2 of the series. Previously, we have posted:
Stay tuned for:
- Part 3: The real impact of AI on jobs and the future of work
- Part 4: Lessons from China’s AI strategy
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About Brad Smith
Brad Smith has been President of Microsoft since 2015, leading the company’s legal, regulatory, and AI policy strategies. A lawyer by training, he has played a key role in Microsoft’s cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI governance initiatives. He has been instrumental in forming Microsoft’s strategic AI partnerships, particularly with OpenAI, and is a leading advocate for responsible AI regulation.
About EngageRM
EngageRM is a global leader in sports and entertainment technology, delivering AI-powered CRM solutions that help the world’s biggest leagues, teams, venues, and organizations drive commercial success, streamline operations, and build deeper fan connections.
Built on Microsoft Dynamics 365, EngageRM transforms the way sports and entertainment organizations operate—turning data into action, automating key processes, and unlocking new revenue opportunities through cutting-edge AI-driven insights.
A Trusted Partner in Global Sports & Entertainment
EngageRM is embedded in the global sports ecosystem, working with top leagues and teams across the U.S., Australia, and Europe, including the biggest names in Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Football League (NFL), the National Basketball Association (NBA), the National Hockey League (NHL), Premier League (PL), Australian Football League (AFL), and Major League Soccer (MLS).
By integrating AI and automation into sports & entertainment management, EngageRM helps organizations optimize sponsorships, enhance commercial strategies, and create unforgettable fan experiences—all while making day-to-day operations smarter and more efficient.
Microsoft Partnership: AI-Powered Innovation
EngageRM is Microsoft’s No. 1 Global ISV (Independent Software Vendor) Partner in Sports & Entertainment – a recognition that reflects its leadership in AI-driven CRM and data solutions.
Leveraging Microsoft Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and Azure AI, EngageRM ensures that sports and entertainment organizations stay ahead of the game. From predictive analytics and automated workflows to real-time fan insights, EngageRM enables its partners to make better decisions, grow revenue, and build stronger fan engagement.
With a proven track record of delivering business impact through AI, EngageRM is shaping the future of sports and entertainment technology—helping organizations work smarter, sell more, and engage fans like never before.
