The combination of random selection and evolutionary strategies with the high-throughput approaches of combinatorial chemistry is demonstrated for the discovery of new heterogeneous catalysts. An approach entirely based on software control was used and a high degree of automation could be achieved. As model reaction we chose CO-oxidation and used heats of reactions monitored by emissivity corrected IR-thermography as figure of merit. New catalysts compositions have been discovered. The catalytic activity of selected compositions was confirmed by conventional catalyst preparation and testing with a conventional fixed bed reactor. Multi-element materials appear to dominate the catalyst evolution. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.