Pooja Jain, WSP’s VP-Strategic Innovation, discusses the pilot programs her firm’s new incubator, Emerge, has initiated with four tech startup companies. Jain speaks with BD+C's John Caulfield about the four AEC tech firms to join Cohort 1 of the firm’s incubator. They are:
- DisasterTech developed the Decision Science Integrated Collaboration Environment (DICE) Platform to help disaster planning and response professionals make informed decisions based on situational understanding. The technology converges cross-sector real-time data and accelerates analytics using geospatial, charting, graphing and text analysis. The tool will enable WSP’s Emergency Management teams within Federal Programs that work strategically with CRS to help clients more efficiently simulate, exercise, plan for and communicate future risks to users and collaborators.
- UK-based Sphera is pioneering sustainable, science-led materials development to move the construction industry toward net zero. The company makes a carbon negative aggregate for use in lightweight concrete for use in a variety of concrete products. Sphera has used the aggregate to create the world’s first potentially carbon negative and carbon zero concrete. Sphera’s products offer an alternative for WSP’s design solutions that has the potential to create a substantial net reduction in the carbon footprint of infrastructure and buildings.
- Bayotech is an alternate fuel company focused on decentralizing supply and distribution of hydrogen gas to increase affordability, sustainability and accessibility of this low-carbon energy source for scale deployment of hydrogen fuel cell and other clean tech vehicles and equipment. The company’s model promotes efficiency and substantial net carbon reductions through the establishment of localized hydrogen hubs to reduce reliance on cross-country transportation and to reliably supply and distribute hydrogen on the spot to markets and clients looking to enhance the use of greener fuels, vehicles and equipment. Bayotech’s offering aligns with WSP’s hydrogen services initiative within the energy business line.
- Bundle is a one-stop shop for building materials procurement. Bundle connects builders and suppliers on one platform, streamlining procurement with technology and saving stakeholders both time and money. The platform also aims to include and track sustainability metrics for the building materials to help stakeholders assess and reduce the carbon footprint of the construction from the start. Bundle’s offering aligns with the needs of the WSP’s built ecology practice and its client’s need to monitor and impact carbon footprint of new developments at all stages.
Related Stories
3D Printing | Apr 11, 2023
University of Michigan’s DART Laboratory unveils Shell Wall—a concrete wall that’s lightweight and freeform 3D printed
The University of Michigan’s DART Laboratory has unveiled a new product called Shell Wall—which the organization describes as the first lightweight, freeform 3D printed and structurally reinforced concrete wall. The innovative product leverages DART Laboratory’s research and development on the use of 3D-printing technology to build structures that require less concrete.
Smart Buildings | Apr 7, 2023
Carnegie Mellon University's research on advanced building sensors provokes heated controversy
A research project to test next-generation building sensors at Carnegie Mellon University provoked intense debate over the privacy implications of widespread deployment of the devices in a new 90,000-sf building. The light-switch-size devices, capable of measuring 12 types of data including motion and sound, were mounted in more than 300 locations throughout the building.
Architects | Apr 6, 2023
New tool from Perkins&Will will make public health data more accessible to designers and architects
Called PRECEDE, the dashboard is an open-source tool developed by Perkins&Will that draws on federal data to identify and assess community health priorities within the U.S. by location. The firm was recently awarded a $30,000 ASID Foundation Grant to enhance the tool.
Cladding and Facade Systems | Apr 5, 2023
Façade innovation: University of Stuttgart tests a ‘saturated building skin’ for lessening heat islands
HydroSKIN is a façade made with textiles that stores rainwater and uses it later to cool hot building exteriors. The façade innovation consists of an external, multilayered 3D textile that acts as a water collector and evaporator.
Women in Design+Construction | Apr 5, 2023
Carole Wedge, former Shepley Bulfinch President and CEO, retires after 37 years
Wedge’s 37-year career at Shepley Bulfinch evolved a historic firm into a national design practice.
AEC Innovators | Mar 27, 2023
Leading architecture, engineering firm HED appoints new co-CEOs
As children of immigrant families, Van Herle and Suarez will bring a diverse perspective into a historically underrepresented industry and advance the firm’s mission of creating a positive impact for clients, communities, and the world.
Transportation & Parking Facilities | Mar 23, 2023
Amsterdam debuts underwater bicycle parking facility that can accommodate over 4,000 bikes
In February, Amsterdam saw the opening of a new underwater bicycle parking facility. Located in the heart of the city—next to Amsterdam Central Station and under the river IJ (Amsterdam’s waterfront)—the facility, dubbed IJboulevard, has parking spots for over 4,000 bicycles, freeing up space on the street.
Building Tech | Mar 14, 2023
Reaping the benefits of offsite construction, with ICC's Ryan Colker
Ryan Colker, VP of Innovation at the International Code Council, discusses how municipal regulations and inspections are keeping up with the expansion of off-site manufacturing for commercial construction. Colker speaks with BD+C's John Caulfield.
AEC Innovators | Mar 3, 2023
Meet BD+C's 2023 AEC Innovators
More than ever, AEC firms and their suppliers are wedding innovation with corporate responsibility. How they are addressing climate change usually gets the headlines. But as the following articles in our AEC Innovators package chronicle, companies are attempting to make an impact as well on the integrity of their supply chains, the reduction of construction waste, and answering calls for more affordable housing and homeless shelters. As often as not, these companies are partnering with municipalities and nonprofit interest groups to help guide their production.
Modular Building | Mar 3, 2023
Pallet Shelter is fighting homelessness, one person and modular pod at a time
Everett, Wash.-based Pallet Inc. helped the City of Burlington, Vt., turn a municipal parking lot into an emergency shelter community, complete with 30 modular “sleeping cabins” for the homeless.