Suffolk Technologies, the venture investment affiliate of Suffolk, has revealed the five startups chosen for its fifth annual BOOST programme. These companies are harnessing artificial intelligence to address inefficiencies in the built environment, ranging from design and prefabrication to sustainability, project management, and data utilisation. BOOST is an eight-week accelerator aimed at providing startups with the resources, mentorship, and industry connections they need to scale and innovate within the sector.
The BOOST 5 cohort includes Genia, Kroo, Novl, Tangible, and Trunk, all selected through a rigorous process involving 36 operating partners—a 50% increase from last year. Each startup brings innovative solutions to key challenges in the construction and built environment.
Genia generates engineering drawings using AI-powered generative design, delivering efficiency for engineering consultancies, general contractors, and developers. Kroo is an all-in-one data platform that aggregates project information across silos to help construction teams make data-driven decisions. Novl provides an all-in-one ERP solution tailored for engineering and architecture firms, centralizing project management, time tracking, and billing for increased profitability. Tangible offers a software solution for real estate owners, developers, and general contractors to manage embodied carbon, helping meet decarbonization goals. Trunk provides a system for offsite manufacturers to streamline manufacturing and site assembly, aligning programmes with delivery slots and reducing inefficiencies.
BOOST has seen rapid growth over the past five years, with 25 alumni raising over $525 million in funding and launching more than 50 pilots across Suffolk jobsites. This year’s applicants represented 25 countries and focused on innovations in AI-driven design, next-gen project management, and sustainability initiatives.
BOOST 5 begins on 16 September 2024, culminating with a Demo Day on 6 November 2024, at Suffolk Headquarters in Boston. Participants will gain exclusive access to Suffolk job sites, project teams, and industry leaders, providing a valuable platform for collaboration and innovation. Demo Day will feature over 400 industry leaders, offering networking opportunities and showcasing the cohort’s solutions.
“This year’s BOOST 5 applicant pool reflected the increasing reach our programme and Operating Partners have throughout the entire built environment lifecycle, particularly with companies focused on implementing AI to streamline data and design,” said Parker Mundt, Vice President of Platform at Suffolk Technologies.
He added, “Excitedly, we continue to see a surge in early-stage construction tech companies and a growing number of seasoned founders entering the built environment. We are encouraged by the diverse array of innovative solutions that address pain points across various stakeholders, and the immense amount of opportunity for innovation in the built world.”
BOOST is co-presented by core partners including Autodesk, Moog Construction, Holcim, and Axiom Builders. This year, the programme also welcomes new partnerships with Acciona, BI Group, Schneider Electric, and others, ensuring that the selected startups can access a comprehensive network of industry leaders to support their growth. Mike McDonough, COO of Axiom Builders said, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with BOOST. Participating allows us to engage directly with cutting-edge innovations and support founders as they scale solutions to the industry’s biggest challenges.”