BrainBox AI, specialising in autonomous building technology, has raised $24 million to implement its technology in the built environment and develop its next phase of innovation.
The first close of its Series A round includes new lead investor, ABB, and investments by Esplanade Ventures and Desjardins Capital.
BrainBox AI offers predictive and self-adaptive artificial intelligence to optimize buildings’ energy usage, carbon footprint, and operational efficiency.
To date, BrainBox AI has transformed over 100 million sq ft of building space across five continents by providing real estate asset owners with a scalable and impactful tool to achieve their aggressive net-zero objectives.
The technology is installed in both developed and developing nations, addressing the equity, accessibility, and affordability challenges the world faces in its fight against climate change.
The company’s next phase of innovation harnesses the power of BrainBox AI’s core technology to tackle the energy transition by creating energy demand flexibility within building clusters.
Globally, the energy sector is undergoing a major transition spurred by the decreasing cost of renewable power generation.
With these new intermittent sources of power comes the need for more flexible energy grids. BrainBox AI’s autonomous AI technology will allow buildings, working interactively, to be a part of the solution by providing energy and capacity back to the grid, contributing to cleaner and more efficient consumption.
Sam Ramadori, president of BrainBox AI, says: “With buildings producing 28 percent of the world’s total carbon emissions, it is more critical than ever to bring scalable clean technology to our cities.
“Overlaying autonomous artificial intelligence on existing infrastructure in the built environment is not only a rapid and impactful means to energy efficiency, but also a crucial step towards future grid-interactive buildings.
“We are excited to be working with investors who share our vision and understand how industry-changing AI energy solutions can support our goal of 100 percent renewable power for the planet.”
A key part of the relationship between BrainBox AI and ABB includes a global distribution agreement with the promise of bringing the AI-driven solution to ABB’s existing expansive customer base, creating a meaningful and rapid impact on the environment.
Oliver Iltisberger, president of ABB’s smart buildings division, says: “Our core focus is bringing radical change to new and existing buildings with safe, secure, smart and sustainable solutions.
“I am confident that ABB’s investment in BrainBox AI, combined with our ABB Ability Building Ecosystem, will help us leapfrog current approaches to digital transformation, further reduce energy costs and play our part in addressing climate change.”
Dr Sheldon Elman, chairman and co-founding partner at Esplanade Ventures, says: “We are pleased to continue to support the strong growth momentum that BrainBox AI is experiencing and the positive impact they are having globally, not only for the environment, but also on the wellness of individuals living and working in buildings that are optimized for health.”
Marie-Hélène Nolet, chief operating officer at Desjardins Capital, says: “Desjardins Capital is proud to continue investing in BrainBox AI, a company that uses artificial intelligence to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings.
“This Quebec company is helping the international community reach its ambitious climate change targets.”
BrainBox AI is one of 10 companies globally selected to showcase its game-changing technology at the upcoming 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) under the Tech For Our Planet challenge program.
In 2020, BrainBox AI was recognized by TIME as one of the Top 100 best inventions and by CB Insights as one of the Top 100 AI start-ups redefining industries in 2021. The company is also a member of the MaRS Discovery District, the largest urban innovation hub in North America.
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt served as legal advisor to the Company and Credit Suisse Securities (Canada) served as its financial advisor.
