davidc@ccr-mag.com
October 23, 2022
Exodigo, the breakthrough non-intrusive subsurface imaging platform, announced a multi-million dollar investment today from National Grid Partners (NGP), as part of a commitment to fighting climate change by deploying breakthrough technologies at scale. NGP is the corporate venture and innovation arm of National Grid, one of the world’s largest utility companies.
Exodigo successfully deployed its mapping solutions at National Grid sites in New York to provide project teams with complete, precise knowledge of buried assets. While traditional methods of underground mapping draw conclusions based on one or two types of sensors and visual hints, Exodigo is the first company in the world to employ multi-sensor fusion and process the signals with artificial intelligence (AI). The approach is like running an MRI, CT scan, and ultrasound all at once and combining the results into a single source of truth. The density and speed of data collection and processing enables Exodigo to identify more buried assets than other subsurface locating and surveying methods – finding 20-50% more utilities than alternatives, according to analysis from the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) Technology Advancements and Gaps in Underground Safety 2022 report.
“We’ve proven consistently that our technology discovers more buried utilities than any other alternative. These additional, hidden lines are often the root cause of safety issues, budget overruns, and massive schedule delays, which contribute to environmental damage and increase the carbon footprint of major infrastructure projects,” said Exodigo Co-Founder and CEO Jeremy Suard. “We are excited to collaborate with National Grid, as we see them as pioneers in adopting innovative and disruptive technologies within the utility industry.”
Exodigo delivered accurate, detailed subsurface maps to National Grid that verified locations of known assets and revealed the presence of previously unknown utility lines. These additional lines did not appear in as-builts or existing records but were detected by Exodigo’s proprietary algorithms.
“Exodigo’s technology presents a significant opportunity for National Grid to improve safety, reduce cost, and increase operational efficiency on our construction projects. Early pilots are showing positive and promising results,” said Dave Lessard, Engineering Manager, Innovation at National Grid. “The Exodigo subsurface imaging platform found all the major below grade-assets at a National Grid test site in Yaphank, NY, including some unknown lines that were not found in any existing documentation. National Grid is excited to explore this technology further across our business.
Since beginning commercial operations in June 2022, Exodigo has collaborated with 20+ leading owners of large capital projects across the energy, utilities, and transportation sectors in the United States, Europe, and Israel.
About Exodigo
Exodigo is the new gold standard for non-intrusive discovery. Its subsurface mapping solutions combine advanced sensors, 3D imaging, and AI technologies to provide a clear picture of the underground for customers across energy, utilities, transportation, and more. Exodigo solves the challenge of underground mapping by locating pipes, cables, soil layers, rocks, minerals, and even groundwater - so customers can decide where to design and build safely, with confidence.
Headquartered in Tel Aviv and the San Francisco Bay Area, the team brings unparalleled experience in AI and signal processing from elite Israeli intelligence units and is backed by top industry partners. Learn more at www.exodigo.com.
About National Grid PartnersNational Grid Partners (NGP) is the venture investment and innovation arm of National Grid plc., one of the world's largest investor-owned energy companies. NGP invests for strategic and financial impact and leads company wide disruptive innovation efforts. The organization provides a multi-functional approach to building startups, including innovation (new business creation), incubation, corporate venture capital, business development and venture acceleration. NGP is headquartered in Silicon Valley and has offices in Boston, London, and New York. Visit ngpartners.com or follow us on Twitter (@ngpartners_) and LinkedIn.
About National Grid
National Grid is one of the largest listed utility companies in the world, serving millions of people across the U.K. and the U.S. We are committed to decarbonizing the energy system as part of a clean, fair, and affordable transition that leaves no-one behind.
In the U.S., we are transforming electricity and natural gas networks in New York and Massachusetts with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions to meet the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and we are focused on building a path to a more affordable, reliable clean energy future through our fossil-free vision.
In the U.K., we’re working to deliver net-zero at pace – safely and reliably operating the transmission network while innovating at speed to ensure the U.K. can meet ambitious climate goals. Our U.K. networks comprise approximately 7,200 kilometers of overhead line, 1,500 kilometers of underground cable and 342 substations. Learn more at nationalgrid.com.
