OptiCat: A versatile open-source optimization platform for experimental design

A new open-source software for experimental design is presented. It consists at a platform which enables to design specific optimization algorithms by simple drag and drop from a toolbox. Complex workflows can be implemented and tested within a few minutes by experimentalists. OptiCat can integrate MS Excel©, MatLab© and Statistica© functionalities for batch calculations. Optimization results on a custom benchmark are presented as examples. Four different algorithms are studied: genetic algorithm, evolutionary strategy, Tabu Search and simulated annealing. Advantages to use OptiCat in the frame of parallel experimentation in Material Science and Catalysis are addressed.