Sensytec Inc. Company Profile

Background

Overview

Sensytec Inc., founded in 2016 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, specializes in real-time monitoring solutions for concrete structures. The company offers advanced sensing technologies that provide actionable insights into concrete conditions, enabling stakeholders to optimize construction processes and enhance structural integrity.

Mission and Vision

Sensytec's mission is to revolutionize the construction industry by integrating smart sensing technologies into concrete structures, thereby improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The company's vision is to become a global leader in structural health monitoring, empowering construction professionals with real-time data to make informed decisions throughout a structure's lifecycle.

Primary Area of Focus

Sensytec focuses on developing and deploying wireless IoT sensors and cloud-based platforms that monitor concrete curing processes and structural health. Their solutions are designed to provide real-time data on parameters such as temperature, strength development, and resistivity, facilitating proactive management of concrete quality and performance.

Industry Significance

In the construction industry, ensuring the quality and durability of concrete structures is paramount. Traditional methods of monitoring concrete conditions are often time-consuming and may not provide immediate insights. Sensytec's innovative approach addresses these challenges by offering real-time monitoring capabilities, thereby reducing project delays, minimizing costs, and enhancing the safety and longevity of concrete structures.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Real-Time Monitoring: Implement wireless IoT sensors to continuously monitor concrete conditions during curing and throughout the structure's lifespan.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Provide actionable insights that enable stakeholders to make informed decisions, leading to optimized construction processes and improved structural performance.

• Sustainability: Promote sustainable construction practices by reducing material waste and energy consumption through efficient monitoring and management of concrete resources.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Concrete Curing Monitoring: Utilize sensors to track temperature and strength development in real-time, ensuring optimal curing conditions and preventing potential issues.

• Structural Health Monitoring: Deploy sensors to detect early signs of stress, cracking, or corrosion, facilitating timely maintenance and extending the service life of concrete structures.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Wireless IoT Sensors: Devices that collect and transmit data on concrete conditions without the need for physical connections, enabling flexible and scalable monitoring solutions.

• Cloud-Based Data Platforms: Systems that aggregate and analyze sensor data, providing accessible and actionable insights to stakeholders via web or mobile applications.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Precast and Prestressed Concrete Manufacturers: Companies involved in the production of concrete components that require precise monitoring to ensure quality and performance.

• General Contractors: Construction firms seeking to enhance project efficiency and safety through advanced monitoring technologies.

• Materials Developers: Organizations focused on advancing concrete materials and mix designs, benefiting from real-time data to refine their products.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Sensytec has secured funding through various channels, including grants and accelerator programs. Notably, in 2012, the Department of Energy awarded a $2.1 million grant to support the company's research and development efforts. Additionally, Baker Hughes contributed $500,000 to further advance Sensytec's technologies.

Total Funds Raised

The company has raised a total of $120,000 through its participation in incubator and accelerator programs, including support from organizations such as Rice Alliance Clean Energy Accelerator, MassChallenge, Equinor & Techstars Energy Accelerator, and Lateral Capital.

Notable Investors

• Rice Alliance Clean Energy Accelerator: An accelerator program supporting clean energy innovations.

• MassChallenge: A global accelerator program for high-impact startups.

• Equinor & Techstars Energy Accelerator: A partnership focusing on energy sector innovations.

• Lateral Capital: An investment firm supporting early-stage companies.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds raised are intended to support the development and deployment of Sensytec's sensing technologies, including the enhancement of sensor hardware, expansion of cloud-based data platforms, and scaling of operations to serve a broader market.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• SensyRoc II: A rugged, reusable wireless IoT sensor designed for in-place monitoring of concrete and other building materials.

• SensyCast: A versatile sensor combining multi-probe temperature and electrical resistivity monitoring in one device, ideal for demanding concrete applications.

• SensyCure: An automatic match cure chamber that matches real concrete temperatures for accurate strength testing, faster releases, ASTM compliance, and improved QA/QC.

• Smart Cement: A novel "sensing concrete" solution for long-term structural health monitoring throughout a structure's lifecycle.

Stages of Development

Sensytec's products are in various stages of development, with some technologies already deployed in the field and others undergoing further refinement and testing.

Target Conditions

The company's technologies aim to monitor and address conditions such as temperature variations, strength development, cracking, contamination, corrosion, and mechanical pressures within concrete structures.

Anticipated Milestones

Sensytec plans to expand the deployment of its technologies across multiple construction projects, enhance product features based on user feedback, and achieve broader market adoption in the coming years.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Smart Cement: A proprietary technology that integrates sensing capabilities directly into concrete, allowing for continuous monitoring of structural health.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Electrical Resistivity Monitoring: A method used to assess the condition of concrete by measuring its electrical resistivity, which correlates with factors like moisture content and potential for corrosion.

• Thermo-Piezoresistive Sensing: A technique that detects changes in concrete properties by measuring variations in electrical resistance in response to temperature and mechanical stresses.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed in the available information, Sensytec's cloud-based data platforms likely incorporate data analytics and machine learning algorithms to process and interpret sensor data, providing actionable insights for stakeholders.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

• Ody De La Paz: Co-Founder and CEO. Ody is an inspired entrepreneur with a background in marketing and entrepreneurship, having studied at the University of Houston. He leads Sensytec with a vision to integrate real-time data into the construction industry.

• Dylan Senter: Co-Founder and CTO. Dylan is an inspired young entrepreneur with a passion for new ideas and innovation. He co-founded Sensytec to bring smart cement technologies to the forefront of the construction industry.

• Nariman Ravanbakhsh: Co-Founder and CMO. Nariman has a background in marketing and entrepreneurship, contributing to Sensytec's growth and outreach efforts.

Leadership Changes

No significant leadership changes have been reported in the available information.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for concrete monitoring technologies is growing, driven by the need for enhanced safety, efficiency, and sustainability in construction. Sensytec competes with other companies offering similar solutions, such as Converge, Caidio, Concrete, and Giatec.

Competitor Analysis

• Converge: Offers concrete monitoring sensors and data collection systems, serving sectors like contractors and precast manufacturers.

• Caidio: Focuses on optimizing concrete construction quality and productivity through data-driven technologies.

• Concrete: Provides AI-driven solutions for concrete mix designs, aiding producers in making performance-based decisions.

• Giatec: Specializes in wireless concrete sensors and mobile applications for monitoring concrete properties, enabling on-site decision-making.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Sensytec has engaged in partnerships to enhance its technological capabilities and market reach. For instance, the company has collaborated with Baker Hughes to advance its smart cement technologies.

Operational Insights

Sensytec differentiates itself through its proprietary Smart Cement technology, which integrates sensing capabilities directly into concrete, providing continuous monitoring of structural health.