The pressing challenge of decarbonization encompasses a vast combinatorial space of interlinked technologies, thus necessitating an increased reliance on artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted molecular modeling and data analytics. Our backcasting analysis proposes a future rich in efficient decarbonization technologies, such as sustainable fuels for aviation and shipping, as well as carbon capture and utilization. We then retrace the path to this proposed future with the guidance of two constraints: the maximization of scientists’ creative capacities and the evolution of a world-centric AI. Our exploration leads us to the concept of a “CreatorSpace,” a distributed digital system resembling existing hackerspaces and makerspaces known for accelerating the prototyping of new technologies worldwide. The CreatorSpace serves as a virtual, semantic platform where chemists, engineers, and materials scientists can freely collaborate, integrating chemical knowledge with cross-scale, cross-technology tools, and operations. This streamlined molecular-to-process-design pathway facilitates a diverse array of solutions for decarbonization and other sustainability technologies.

脱碳的紧迫挑战涵盖了相互关联的技术的巨大组合空间，因此需要更多地依赖人工智能 (AI) 辅助的分子建模和数据分析。我们的回溯分析提出了未来丰富的高效脱碳技术，例如航空和航运的可持续燃料，以及碳捕获和利用。然后，我们在两个约束的指导下追溯通往这个拟议未来的道路：科学家创造力的最大化和以世界为中心的人工智能的进化。我们的探索引导我们提出了“CreatorSpace”的概念，这是一种分布式数字系统，类似于现有的黑客空间和创客空间，以加速全球新技术的原型设计而闻名。 CreatorSpace 作为一个虚拟的语义平台，化学家、工程师和材料科学家可以在其中自由协作，将化学知识与跨规模、跨技术的工具和操作相集成。这种简化的分子到工艺设计途径促进了脱碳和其他可持续技术的多种解决方案。