Reducing Waste in the Construction Industry: Sensorita’s Innovative Solution
The construction industry is notorious for its significant contribution to overall waste production. In the European Union, construction waste accounts for more than a third of the total waste generated annually. The situation is even worse in the United States, where the construction industry produces more than double the amount of waste generated by households each year. However, Norwegian startup Sensorita aims to tackle this issue head-on by addressing the root cause: the lack of reliable data in the industry.
According to Ulrikke Lien, co-founder and CEO of Sensorita, waste management companies often struggle to collect data efficiently due to the sheer number of construction sites they serve. As a result, they often lack crucial information about the location, quantity, and timing of waste bin collections. Lien believes that the limited access to data and insights in the construction industry is a significant problem that needs to be addressed.
To combat this issue, Sensorita has developed a solution that involves placing sensors in construction waste bins and utilizing radar and machine learning technology to create digital twins of each bin. This innovative approach enables waste management companies to receive real-time updates on the location and fill levels of their bins. By leveraging this data, companies can optimize their pickup schedules and streamline their operations, resulting in cost and time savings.
Sensorita’s journey began in 2020 when Lien, while pursuing her engineering degree at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, recognized the potential for technology to revolutionize waste management. Initially targeting the household waste sector, Lien realized that numerous startups were already vying for market share in that space. Moreover, the fragmented nature of household waste management and its reliance on public funding made it challenging to gain traction. As a result, Sensorita pivoted its focus towards construction waste.
The company’s pivot proved to be a wise decision as it quickly gained traction in the construction industry. Sensorita approached Ragn-Sells, a prominent construction company, with its idea, and the company provided $10,000 in funding to support the development of the technology. In February 2022, Sensorita launched its first pilot program, which yielded positive results. Since then, the startup has further strengthened its relationship with Ragn-Sells and established partnerships with three additional customers.
Having demonstrated its potential, Sensorita has now emerged from stealth mode with $3.25 million in venture funding. The funding round was led by Brick and Mortar Ventures, a venture capital firm specializing in construction-focused investments, with participation from Telenor, a major telecommunications player. In total, Sensorita has raised $6 million, with a significant portion coming from grants.
Sensorita’s partnership with Brick and Mortar Ventures was forged when Ulrikke Lien met Guillaume Bazouin, a partner at the firm, at Finland’s renowned Slush conference in 2022. Bazouin, who was working with Leonard, a startup accelerator backed by Paris-based construction company Vinci at the time, recognized the immense potential of Sensorita’s solution and ensured that his firm would support the startup.
According to Bazouin, waste management in construction is a colossal problem that is gaining attention due to stringent regulations in Europe and the growing need for effective tracking. The funding received by Sensorita will be utilized to expand the team and further invest in technology development. The company aims to extend its strong foothold in Norway and expand its operations beyond the region.
Looking ahead, Sensorita has ambitious plans to enhance its sensor technology to identify the type of material present in each garbage bin. This feature will enable waste management companies to have a more comprehensive understanding of their waste streams and make informed decisions regarding recycling and disposal. Additionally, Sensorita hopes to develop a virtual assistant specifically tailored for the waste management industry, further streamlining operations and improving efficiency.
By addressing the lack of reliable data in the construction industry, Sensorita is poised to revolutionize waste management practices. With its innovative approach and strong industry traction, Sensorita is taking the first step towards creating a more sustainable and efficient construction sector.