Last Week in ConTech - 21 April 2025
Is Google quietly automating the work of engineering design consultants?
Deep Insight: Is Google quietly automating the work of engineering design consultants?
This week, Google demonstrated a new geospatial reasoning model which could signal a shift in how asset management and design consultancy services are delivered in the AEC industry.
For years, Google has been mapping and organizing the world’s geospatial data (data associated with a location) to power products like Google Maps, Street View, and Google Earth. Now, paired with AI, that data can be applied to domains like urban planning, infrastructure monitoring, and climate resiliency.
The unveiled model supports tasks such as mapping roads and buildings, assessing post-disaster damage, or identifying infrastructure, all via a natural language interface. A user can ask for “residential buildings with solar panels” or “impassable roads” and get targeted results at a neighborhood level.
I’ve felt this need firsthand, having spent hours combing through satellite imagery to find pit lids for water infrastructure inspections across a wide area covered with overgrowth.
Google’s move into traditional consultancy territory isn’t new.
Project Green Light already uses AI and driving data to optimize traffic signals, streamlining a task traditionally handled by traffic engineers and it's live in 70 intersections in 12 cities.
This new model broadens the scope. Local governments can now access insights that once required costly consultants asking questions such as:
Identify storm or flood-damaged buildings to pinpoint areas in need of climate resiliency investment.
Analyze post-disaster infrastructure using uploaded imagery to guide targeted funding and recovery efforts.
Monitor rooftop solar panel adoption at the neighborhood level to track the success of sustainability grants.
As general AI continues to advance, the real question becomes: how will design consultancies adapt and continue to add value atop these emerging capabilities?
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In this issue there are:
8 Startup Fundings
11 Policy and Regulatory Changes
9 New National Infrastructure Projects & Priorities
0 New investment funds
1 Acquisitions
7 News articles
29 new jobs posted - view here
Reading time: 13 mins
Startup Funding
Preconstruction
TruBuild, a Saudi Arabian startup, raised $1m in Seed funding. They have developed an AI driven preconstruction tool which assists with tender review and management allowing project owners to upload RFPs and add a scoring matrix providing an evaluation report to score bids and highlight key differences to identify the best fit contractor. More here.
Notes:
TruBuild appears to be positioning itself as a solution for managing the proposal process across Owners, Consultants, and Contractors.
It delivers value to Project Owners by enabling easy comparison of bids and visibility of contract changes in one central location.
Owners (I’m hypothesising) drive platform adoption by requiring Consultants and Contractors to use it, thanks to the efficiency it brings them.
For Consultants, it centralizes communication and streamlines interactions e.g., design queries from contractors can be handled directly through the platform rather than being routed via the Owner’s Representative.
For Contractors, the platform simplifies the process of responding to RFQs in one place.
If successful, TruBuild has the potential to achieve “construction viral” growth.
By engaging all key stakeholders in the value chain, it increases the likelihood that at least one stakeholder finds it indispensable and mandates its use across their full project portfolio.
Robotics
Cosmic Robotics, a San Francisco startup, raised $4m in funding. They have developed a construction robot that assists with installing large panels. More here.
Notes:
The robot doesn’t replace workers, rather it augments them.
It tows a trailer with panels and then, using its arm, places the panel within a few millimeters of where it needs to be.
Workers review the placement before fastening the panel to the rack.
This approach of combined human and robot construction is similar to the approach being used when working with AI to augment knowledge worker tasks.
For example ChatGPT is directed to provide lines of code, reviewed by the engineer and then deployed. It isn’t replacing, it's augmenting workers and improving productivity.
Safety
viAct, a Hong Kong startup, raised $7.3m in Series A funding. They are developing a computer vision, IoT and AI powered solution to improve construction site safety. It proactively detects risk and ensures compliance through use cases such as PPE detection, Danger Zone Intrusion Alerts or Confined Space Monitoring and supports productivity through tasks such as excavation progress tracking and automatic worker counting. More here.
[View open jobs - 1 role in AI / Machine Learning, 1 role in Software]
Drones
Hammer Missions, a London startup, raised €1.6m in funding. They use drones to map and inspect structures providing 3D inspection reports. More here.
Talent / Procurement
Bolsterup, a Cypriot startup, raised €500k in funding. They are building a platform for smart matchmaking in the construction industry helping to match projects with vetted architects, engineers, contractors, and materials tailored to their needs. More here.
[View open jobs - 2 roles in Sales]
Learning and Development
Klara, a Parisian startup, raised €10m in funding. They are building a skill management and workplace based training solution platform for frontline and deskless workers allowing companies to structure and industrialize skills development at scale and ensure up to date certifications and compliance . More here.
Notes:
While not built for construction, the solution has found traction in the energy sector and could be used in our industry.
Green Materials
Up Catalyst, an Estonian startup, raised $20m in Venture Debt. They transform industrial CO2 emissions into carbon neutral raw materials which can be used as a reinforcing material for concrete resulting in improved sustainability and less volume of material required to meet requirements. More here.
Notes:
One of the key challenges with green materials is scaling up production.
Because these are new materials, they require the development of specialized manufacturing facilities which must be scaled in line with expected demand (e.g., through offtake agreements).
This approach is similar to methodologies in software development, where teams build based on customer needs and then expand features as demand grows i.e starting with an MVP.
Applying this "build-to-demand" strategy in manufacturing helps reduce risk and validate market demand.
However, unlike software, constructing physical facilities is significantly more capital-intensive, which can make it harder to attract investment.
Up Catalyst is interesting as they have outlined their technology deployment and scale up plan on their website providing an overview to customers and investors on expected reactor size growth and timelines.
Other - Grid Tech
Mainspring Energy, a Californian startup, raised $258m in Series F Funding. They have developed a linear generator that can run on any kind of gaseous fuel including natural gas, ammonia, propane or biogas without requiring hardware changes allowing customers such as data centres cleaner energy options. More here.
Notes:
The power grid in the US is increasingly becoming a bottleneck for data center customers.
Texas projects they will need the equivalent of 30 nuclear reactors to meet data center power demand.
Mainspring claims their generator provides power at a cost that’s competitive or even lower than power from the grid.
The solution is interesting as for remote multi-year construction projects, clean energy generators fueled by a variety of sources e.g hydrogen with multiple fuel backups could become viable (especially if the client such as the government has climate targets).
Related:
Policy and Regulatory Changes
US
Trump Seeks to Boost Use of Technology to Speed Up Permitting
President Donald Trump signed a directive Tuesday aimed at bolstering the use of technology in the permitting process for infrastructure developments.
The memorandum directs executive departments and agencies to make “maximum use of technology in environmental review and permitting processes for infrastructure projects of all kinds, such as roads, bridges, mines, factories, power plants, and others.”
The directive calls for the issue of a Permitting Technology Action Plan for modernizing the technology used for federal permitting and environmental reviews.
Federal judge orders immediate thaw of climate, infrastructure funds
A federal judge ruled that EPA, the Interior and Energy Departments and other agencies unlawfully froze funds under Democrats’ climate and infrastructure spending laws.
The agencies were ordered to immediately resume disbursing the money.
Trump considering plan to change how the country fights wildfires
A draft executive order under consideration by the White House calls for restructuring the nation’s firefighting system to focus on the “immediate suppressing of fires.”
This would include responding to wildfires within 30 minutes and changing aircraft regulations to accelerate response.
Notes:
Depending on the details of how and if this is implemented, it may have an impact on insurance policies and climate adaptation of infrastructure.
Lawmakers fear AI data centers will drive up residents’ power bills
Some lawmakers are concerned that the infrastructure needed to add all those data centers to the electric grid will drive up residents’ utility bills.
There are ~dozen proposals in state legislatures nationwide seeking to ensure that data centers don’t result in increased rates for other electric customers.
What Austin’s new building codes mean for local housing
[Update to last week note on Austin building codes]
Hempcrete was approved for use in residential construction.
It can be used as a lightweight, low-carbon alternative to traditional concrete in non-load-bearing applications like interior walls, insulation, and cladding.
EPA offers industrial polluters a way to avoid rules on mercury, arsenic and other toxic chemicals
The Clean Air Act enables the president to temporarily exempt industrial sites from new rules.
This is if the technology required to meet them is not widely available and if the continued activity is in the interest of national security.
This administration is offering coal-fired power plants and other industrial polluters a chance for exemptions from requirements to reduce emissions of toxic chemicals.
Example chemicals include mercury, arsenic and benzene.
The new Denver Permitting Office will begin reviewing permit applications in mid-May with a promise to process applications in 180 days.
If the one-stop shop fails to meet that threshold, developers may be able to recoup up to $10,000 in application fees.
Whitehouse sets a marker on data center power spike
A Senator is introducing a bill aimed at addressing rising greenhouse gas emissions from AI data centers and crypto operations.
The Clean Cloud Act would assess a carbon emissions fee on power consumption by data centers and crypto miners.
The bill would direct EPA and the Energy Information Administration to survey electricity consumption from data centers and crypto mining operations annually.
The government would collect a fee, starting at $20 per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent and rising at least $10 annually, based on how facilities' emissions profiles compare to their regional power grid.
Notes:
According to the article the bill has a near-zero chance of moving in the current Congress.
However it is a sign of a policy division emerging as the need for AI infrastructure grows.
Concerns around climate warming, rate increases from load growth and the need for 24/7 sources of power generation could become a headwind on data center construction.
India
Environment (Construction and Demolition) Waste Management Rules, 2025
The new rules seek to tighten regulations and promote sustainable practices in the handling of construction and demolition (C&D) waste.
The rules apply to all activities related to construction, demolition, remodeling, renovation, and repair of structures.
Waste management plans are required for all construction projects, assessing waste quantum and promoting recycling.
Processed waste must be utilized in construction projects exceeding 20,000 square meters and road construction following targets outlined.
Canada
B.C. begins preparing for prompt payment legislation
The Ministry has been directed to prepare Prompt Payment legislation.
According to a BC Construction Association (BCCA) survey, 91% of B.C. construction employers experienced late payments in the past year, with 69% not being paid at all at least once.
During the summer of 2024, construction in the city at its peak saw the temporary closure of 24 percent of all roads, which resulted in the travel times being more than double.
This is leading to an update to the congestion management plan.
It would involve:
Using new technology to move people more efficiently.
Helping transit move faster.
Increasing on-the-ground traffic management at specific intersections.
Implementing a strategy for traffic around special events.
Planning and coordinating city-wide construction projects.
National Infrastructure Projects & Priorities
US
US wind market installations hit a decade low
The U.S. wind market continued a downward trend in 2024, with 5.2 gigawatts (GW) of total installations.
This is the lowest in 10 years.
The report shows that 3.9 GW of onshore builds came online last year, along with 1.3 GW of onshore repowers and 101 megawatts (MW) of installed offshore capacity.
The pipeline for onshore has 10.8 GW currently under construction through 2027, with another 3.9 GW announced.
Microsoft’s Data Center Pause Caught Ohio Officials by Surprise
Microsoft decided to pause work on data centres in Ohio.
It’s a surprise as the company had agreed to develop the sites as recently as two months before.
They had inked agreements with the city of Heath, Ohio to improve infrastructure such as roads and water lines for the planned data center.
Trump Halts NY Offshore Wind Project Work Amid Sector Review
The Trump administration halted work on an offshore wind farm being built off New York despite the project being fully permitted.
In a memo, the Interior Secretary told the acting director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management that the project was “rushed” by the Biden administration without sufficient study of its effects.
Trump indefinitely halted the sale of new offshore wind leases on his first day in office and paused permitting of all wind projects on federal lands and waters.
Nvidia Says It Will Build Up to $500 Billion of AI Gear in US
Nvidia plans to produce as much as half a trillion dollars’ worth of AI infrastructure in the US over the next four years.
This will be completed through manufacturing partnerships.
China
China to keep building coal plants through 2027, state planner says
China plans to keep building coal-fired power plants through 2027 in regions where they are needed to meet peak power demand or stabilize the grid.
This policy may raise questions about China's commitment to phasing down coal use during the 2026-2030 period.
The new coal projects are considered a back-up for renewable generation whose output depends on sunlight and wind conditions.
The newly built coal plants should have 10-20% lower carbon emissions per unit of power output than the 2024 fleet.
India
India installs record 24.5GW solar PV capacity in 2024
This represents more than a twofold increase from the previous year, when solar PV capacity additions reached 10GW in 2023.
Notes:
The push for energy security could accelerate the deployment of clean energy.
Domestic renewables are less vulnerable to tariffs compared to energy imports.
Apple India Produces $22 Billion of iPhones in Shift From China
They increased production by nearly 60% over the previous year in a sign of continued diversification away from China.
They now make 20%, or one in five, of their iPhones in India.
The ramp-up suggests the iPhone maker and its suppliers are accelerating a pivot to India from China.
Canada
Canada approves its first small modular reactor
Ontario Power Generation is on track to build the first commercial small modular nuclear reactor in North America.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission granted the utility a license to begin construction.
The Government still needs to provide final approval.
It's the first SMR project outside of Russia and China.
Nigeria
FG clears hurdles to access $10b from China to fund infrastructure
Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership was established to drive Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation through targeted Chinese investments.
A meeting involved identifying pathways for Nigeria to access at least $10 billion in funding.
Acquisitions
ECI Software Solutions, a Texas company providing business management software for small and mid-sized businesses in industries like residential construction and building supply acquired Davisware, an Illinois company providing business management solutions for field service organizations. More here.
News
50 Things I’ve Learned Writing Construction Physics
Your construction project will be late. AI can fix that.
Illegal charging stations are powering Delhi’s e-rickshaw revolution
Unable to access the benefits of Delhi's current EV policy, e-rickshaw drivers say they are forced into power theft and the use of dangerous, banned batteries.
Unauthorized charging stations are usually located within slum communities and informal settlements, or in warehouses.
Natural gas threatens nuclear demand
The First Victim of Trump’s Trade War: Michigan’s Economy
Trump Tariffs Threaten Spread of Big Batteries on the Power Grid
Prized Seaside Warehouses to Bear Brunt of Tariff Plan
If I missed anything this week, please reply and let me know! I’ll make sure to include it next week.