ABB Group Invests In Montreal-Based Building Technology Solutions Startup Company, BrainBox AI

As part of its ambition to make buildings smarter, safer, and more secure, while also improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, ABB (ABB Group) has announced an investment in Montreal-based building technology startup, BrainBox AI.

Investing in BrainBox AI

Launched in 2019, BrainBox AI has pioneered the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions from Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in commercial buildings. Financial details of the investment were not disclosed.

This investment and strategic engagement allow ABB’s Smart Buildings division to combine its existing portfolio of digital solutions, particularly the ABB Ability Building Ecosystem, with BrainBox AI’s predictive, self-adaptive and scalable cloud-based artificial intelligence.

ABB and BrainBox AI committed to interoperability

ABB and BrainBox AI are committed to interoperability, allowing customers to use a variety of technologies

ABB and BrainBox AI are committed to interoperability, allowing customers to use a variety of technologies. The joint offering is available from Q4 2021. HVAC systems account for most of the energy use and carbon footprint of a typical commercial building, while buildings contribute 28 percent of total global energy-related CO2 emissions.

In addition to enabling up to 25 percent reductions in energy costs and 20 to 40 percent lower carbon emissions, BrainBox AI’s deep learning software increases occupant comfort and extends the service life of HVAC equipment, all without upfront capital expenditure. 

Safe, secure, smart, and sustainable solutions

“Our core focus is on bringing radical change to new and existing buildings with safe, secure, smart, and sustainable solutions,” said Oliver Iltisberger, the President of ABB’s Smart Buildings division.

Oliver adds, “I am confident that ABB’s investment in BrainBox AI, when 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.”

AI-driven energy solutions

BrainBox AI is excited to be working with ABB, a global technology leader, at the core of the energy transition"

“BrainBox AI is excited to be working with ABB, a global technology leader, at the core of the energy transition, to further accelerate the deployment of our industry-changing, AI-driven energy solutions, for the commercial real estate sector,” said Sam Ramadori, the President of BrainBox AI.

Sam adds, “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 key to energy efficiency, but also a crucial step towards future grid-interactive buildings.”

Autonomous AI engine and SaaS business model

“With its true autonomous artificial intelligence engine and its pure SaaS business model, BrainBox AI constitutes the epitome of the kind of investments we look for,” commented Malin Carlstrom, the Head of Ventures at ABB Electrification.

Malin Carlstrom adds, “The capital injected will be used for Brainbox AI’s continued and accelerated internationalization, as well as for product and offering development.”

ABB Technology Ventures leads the Series A investment round in Brainbox AI, which also included Canadian-based Esplanade Ventures and Desjardins Capital, in addition to a number of private investors.