INGU Company Profile

Background

INGU is a Calgary-based technology company specializing in pipeline inspection solutions. Founded in 2014, INGU has developed the Pipers® technology—a free-floating, multi-sensor system designed to provide comprehensive pipeline condition assessments under operational conditions. This innovation enables pipeline operators to maintain safety and efficiency without the need for shutdowns. INGU's mission is to revolutionize pipeline integrity programs by delivering full visibility across global pipeline infrastructures, ensuring their safety and efficiency.

Key Strategic Focus

INGU's strategic focus centers on providing cost-effective, efficient, and scalable pipeline inspection solutions. The company specializes in the oil and gas, water, and wastewater industries, offering services that include leak detection, deposit surveys, and wall condition monitoring. By leveraging advanced sensor technology and machine learning-powered data analytics, INGU targets both piggable and unpiggable pipelines, addressing a critical gap in the market for comprehensive pipeline integrity assessments.

Financials and Funding

Since its inception, INGU has secured multiple funding rounds to support its growth and technological advancements. Notably, in November 2019, the company raised growth capital from Energy Innovation Capital and Chevron Technology Ventures. This funding aimed to expand INGU's team, scale its data collection platform, and enhance its global presence. As of 2024, INGU has raised a total of $11.2 million from 16 investors, including Williams New Energy Ventures, BlueSky Equities, and Energy Innovation Capital.

Pipeline Development

INGU's primary product, Pipers®, has been deployed in over 800 pipelines, inspecting more than 6,000 kilometers across 25 countries. The technology has been utilized by major clients such as Chevron, Petrobras, Husky Energy, and Whitecap Resources. The company continues to refine and expand its offerings, with plans to commercialize further outside the US and Canada, targeting regions including South America, Brazil, Australia, and Nigeria.

Technological Platform and Innovation

INGU's Pipers® technology is a groundbreaking innovation in pipeline inspection. The system consists of baseball-sized, free-floating multi-sensor devices that traverse pipelines under operational conditions, collecting data on pressure changes, flow rates, hazards, and potential leaks. These devices are available in various sizes to fit different pipeline diameters and can be deployed in multiple fluids, including crude oil, freshwater, and gas. The collected data is analyzed using machine learning algorithms, providing precise identification of issues such as leaks, deposits, and changes in wall condition. This approach eliminates the need for expensive equipment and on-site engineers, reducing operational costs and improving inspection efficiency.

Leadership Team

John van Pol, Ph.D.: Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Board Member. With over 20 years in science and technology, Dr. van Pol has a background in nuclear physics and advanced sensing technologies. He has led international business development in the European and Canadian markets for advanced sensor applications.

Anouk van Pol: Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer. Anouk has been instrumental in establishing INGU's operations and expanding its market presence.

Yvonne van den Berg: Co-Founder, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, and Chief of Staff. Yvonne has played a key role in developing INGU's marketing strategies and managing client relationships.

Board of Directors

Steve Bolze: Former CEO of GE Power and Water. Steve brings extensive experience in scaling organizations and infrastructure investments.

Michael Riedijk: Cleantech investor and serial entrepreneur with a history in internet, cleantech, agriculture, and marine technology.

Mark Menke: Former General Manager of Mergers and Acquisitions at Chevron, with 35 years in the oil and gas industry.

George Coyle: Managing Partner at Energy Innovation Capital, with experience in venture capital and exploration and production leadership roles.

Board Observers

Amy Shank: Vice President of Safety & Operational Discipline at Williams, overseeing regulatory compliance and asset integrity.

Lynsey Vinikoff: Venture Executive at Chevron Technology Ventures, focusing on investments that enhance Chevron's core business.

John Hanten: Operating Partner at Energy Innovation Capital, with over 35 years in the oil and gas industry.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The pipeline inspection industry is critical for maintaining the integrity and safety of pipeline infrastructures across various sectors, including oil and gas, water, and wastewater. The market is characterized by a demand for cost-effective, efficient, and minimally invasive inspection technologies that can operate under live conditions without necessitating shutdowns.

Competitor Analysis

INGU's primary competitors include traditional pipeline inspection service providers and emerging technology companies offering inline inspection tools. While specific competitor details are not provided in the available sources, INGU differentiates itself through its innovative Pipers® technology, which offers a unique combination of ease of deployment, cost efficiency, and comprehensive data collection capabilities.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

INGU has established a network of international partners to support its global operations:

Aquip Systems (Australia): Specializes in delivering industrial technology with comprehensive technical support.

CPM Pipelines (USA): Provides field inspection services for pipeline condition assessment projects.

Detection Services (Australia): Focuses on water loss management and system hydraulic analysis.

DTS Construction (Thailand): Offers innovative engineering solutions in the water sector.

HSC (Nigeria): Provides maintenance and support services to the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

Morken (Chile, Peru): Supplies technology solutions to the oil, gas, mining, and energy industries.

NextNine (South Africa): Offers asset integrity management solutions across various industries.

OilPro (Bolivia): Specializes in supplying cutting-edge solutions and services to the oil and gas sector.

Orion (Brazil): Develops solutions for remote inspection of challenging pipelines and structures.

Revicol (Colombia): Acts as a strategic partner in reducing water loss rates through advanced technology.

RJN (USA): Provides cost-effective and innovative water infrastructure solutions.

SFE Global (Canada): Specializes in underground infrastructure assessment and monitoring.

Wilson Walton (Indonesia): Offers corrosion control engineering services to the oil and gas industry.

Operational Insights

INGU's Pipers® technology provides a distinct competitive advantage by offering a cost-effective, efficient, and scalable solution for pipeline inspections. The ability to operate under live conditions without requiring shutdowns positions INGU favorably against traditional inspection methods. The company's strategic partnerships further enhance its global reach and operational capabilities.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

INGU is poised for continued growth through the expansion of its technological offerings and global footprint. The company's focus on innovation, coupled with its strategic partnerships, positions it to address the evolving needs of the pipeline inspection industry. Future directions may include further advancements in sensor technology and data analytics.