Turning insights into action

​As climate change and other factors put added strain on urban and national infrastructure, reliable data about the physical environment has become increasingly crucial in shaping development, planning and disaster-response decisions. But without the expertise and capacity to make sense of reams of specialized information, stakeholders and policy-makers encounter obstacles that can derail major projects and leave structures, communities and municipalities vulnerable. 

​Innovators are developing promising new technologies that efficiently collect and convert fragmented data into scalable intelligence that can be leveraged to improve operations, bolster resilience, manage risk and inform other critical decisions. At the next MaRS Session on Thursday, February 19, find out about four Canadian ventures making headway in this space.

​Learn more about the ventures:

​LandLogic

​Toronto-based LandLogic has developed an AI platform that organizes and analyzes essential data points for real estate developers, including zoning reports, building permits, environmental assessments and property valuation, streamlining the process of assessing site potential. 

​GeoRetina

​GeoRetina, headquartered in Ottawa, has built an AI-powered chatbot that interprets satellite and geospatial data to gauge risk. Users can request information about specific regions related to pollution metrics, vegetation, flood risks and other variables.

​Skygauge Robotics

​To assess the stability of industrial equipment and other major infrastructure installations, operators and engineers rely on ultrasonic testing. Hamilton’s Skygauge Robotics has developed a specialty drone outfitted with an ultrasonic probe that can collect this data from bridges, cargo vessels, in the oil and gas and energy sectors or any other situation that is time-consuming or precarious for a human inspector. 

​QEA Tech

​Markham-based QEA Tech uses specialized drones with AI software and thermographic cameras to conduct audits of building envelopes with the aim of flagging necessary retrofits and reducing  energy loss and boosting operational efficiency.