Breakout Session: AI + the Future of Decarbonization and Prefabrication
Overview
This breakout session brings together founders, investors, and corporate innovators to explore how AI is delivering measurable outcomes across two major transformation areas in the built environment — decarbonization and industrialized (prefab) construction.
Rather than viewing AI as a buzzword, this session focuses on practical playbooks, pilot results, and scalable frameworks that are already reshaping how projects are designed, financed, and delivered. Speakers will share real examples of how AI is enabling smarter retrofit decisions, improving carbon performance, and enhancing factory throughput.
Session Goals
• Share pilot results and data strategies driving retrofit and procurement decisions
• Showcase real-world applications of AI in decarbonization and prefab workflows
• Define playbooks for scale that make pilots replicable and impactful
• Strengthen collaboration between startups, corporates, and investors
Agenda (90 Minutes Total)
Welcome & Framing — 10 minutes
Speakers: Alexey Dubov (BuildTech Launchpad) and Leonardo Rocchetti (Plug and Play)
Opening remarks introducing AI as the enabling layer that connects design, delivery, and measurable outcomes. Discussion on pilot outcomes, data strategies, and retrofit decision playbooks shaping the next phase of the industry.
AI & Decarbonization Panel — 40 minutes
Panelists:
Katya Shabanova, CRBNX
Pallen Chiu, Audette
Rob Best, ARUP
Alex Spilger, SOBRATO
Moderator: Alexey Dubov
A deep dive into how AI is transforming retrofit analysis, carbon modeling, and investment prioritization. Panelists will share pilot data, scaling insights, and how AI-driven strategies are being implemented across portfolios.
AI + Prefab Fireside — 30 minutes
Speakers:
Gilles Retsin, AUAR
Jordan Easterling, Building Swell
Steve Glenn, Plant Prefab
A focused fireside chat on how AI enhances design coordination, scheduling, and factory operations. Speakers will share results from real implementations and discuss the next steps for AI adoption in industrialized construction.
Closing Remarks — 10 minutes
Speakers: Alexey Dubov + Leonardo Rocchetti
Key takeaways and synthesis across both themes — how to turn pilot insights into scalable playbooks accelerating decarbonization and prefab innovation.
Additional BuildTech Launchpad Main Stage Presentations
Date & Time: November 18, 2025 | 2:30 – 3:00 PM
Two BuildTech Launchpad companies will present on the main stage:
AUAR — AI-driven design-to-manufacture platform for modular housing and construction.
ResVR — Digital twin and visualization platform for immersive sales and new-build showrooms.