SWORDS, Ireland — Trane Technologies has signed a definitive agreement to acquire BrainBox AI, a pioneer in autonomous HVAC controls and generative artificial intelligence (AI) building technology.
Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, BrainBox AI has developed an enterprise autonomous building platform.
An estimated 15% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are directly related to the heating and cooling of buildings. BrainBox AI uses advanced deep-learning algorithms to predict building energy needs, automate HVAC systems, reduce energy consumption by up to 25%, and reduce GHG emissions by up to 40%, a press release from Trane said.
BrainBox AI’s technology is deployed across more than 14,000 commercial buildings globally, including airports, office buildings, hotels, and retail spaces.
“Advanced AI technology is supercharging what’s possible as we reduce energy and emissions from the built environment,” said Riaz Raihan, chief digital officer at Trane. “BrainBox AI and Trane Technologies share a passion for accelerating and scaling innovative, customer-focused AI solutions and smart building technologies that address the world’s pressing climate challenges. We look forward to welcoming the talented BrainBox AI team.”
The acquisition augment Trane’s advanced building management and digital capabilities and represents an extension of the companies’ existing collaboration, the press release said.
Sam Ramadori, BrainBox CEO, and Jean-Simon Venne, the co-founder and chief technology officer, will continue to lead the BrainBox AI business and its team of more than 190 associates, primarily based in Canada and the United States. All BrainBox AI associates will join Trane Technologies upon closing. Trane will maintain BrainBox AI’s existing operations in Montreal.
“At BrainBox AI, we believe in the power of AI in addressing climate change,” said Ramadori. “Combining BrainBox AI’s advanced technology with Trane Technologies’ leading digital platform and best-in-class global direct sales capabilities will accelerate the deployment of smart building solutions worldwide and achieve greater outcomes for our people, customers, and the world. We look forward to an exciting new chapter for BrainBox AI as part of Trane Technologies.”
BrainBox AI’s recently launched ARIA platform (Artificial Responsive Intelligent Agent) was selected as one of Time’s Best Inventions of 2024. ARIA, the world’s first virtual building engineer, delivers precise and accurate data visualization, sound reasoning, and informed actions for facility management professionals, Trane’s press release said.
The transaction is expected to close in early 2025.