Terry Ng, Head of Strategy and Operations at Operva AI
According to statistics, there were approximately 16 major injuries per 100,000 workers in Singapore in 2023, with a fatality rate of less than one per 100,000 workers. Several local startups, including Operva AI, have developed various solutions to deal with the problem.
Operva AI aims to revolutionise the facade inspection industry with its cutting-edge platform, Airpland. This cloud-based solution enables pilots and enterprises to autonomously deploy drones, visualise detailed maps and 3D data, and access a global network of drone talent. Airpland not only streamlines drone operations but also enhances collaboration and progress tracking, making it a comprehensive tool for efficient facade inspections.
“Our objective is to improve inspection and monitoring processes within the built environment regarding efficiency, safety, and financial outcomes,” says Terry Ng, Head of Strategy and Operations at Operva AI.
“Our software solution for inspection of buildings streamlines the whole process by using AI to detect and label defects and observations while applying a structured inspection methodology with automated reports and dashboards. Our solution for monitoring progress at construction sites uses photogrammetry to build quality 3D models and extensive 2D orthophotos, such that the before-and-after can be compared on-demand.”
The startup has recently participated in the International Built Environment Week (IBEW) 2024 in Singapore, a global event that features tech innovation in the construction and built environment sectors.
In an email to e27, Ng explains the company’s work and plans for the future in detail. The following is an edited excerpt of the conversation.
Why is your solution better than the existing alternative?
If we compare it against preexisting traditional manual methods, the combination of drones and software is definitely less labour-intensive and safer.
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When compared to other drone-based competitors, we see an edge in that we have good synergies between our different products and have been focusing a lot on process improvements, which drives down costs.
If we compare against overseas companies, being in Singapore has its natural advantages as the Building Construction Authority (BCA) and relevant government agencies have already set up strong frameworks and regulatory regimes-–when we develop our solutions in alignment with that, we offer not just good software but also robust methodologies in which overseas markets will see the value.
Can you tell us about your product development journey at Operva AI?
I would say the journey has been one of experimentation.
We initially started with photogrammetry and common data environment endeavours, which laid the foundation for our development efforts. Our first product was a mobile app that helps pilots plan their flight paths, which is now an integral part of our overall Airpland platform product suite.
Through a recent cycle of the Built Environment Accelerate to Market Programme (BEAMP), an open innovation programme organised by BCA, Enterprise Singapore (ESG), and JTC Corporation (JTC), we were able to explore the enhancement of our photogrammetry solution more deeply.
This involved integrating advanced tools and metrics to improve 3D models, significantly influencing our design process from mission planning to data gathering, processing, and, eventually, model output. Simultaneously, we ventured into creating solutions for building inspections, which proved to be commercially valuable as they address practical, everyday challenges faced by the industry.
Can you tell us more about your users’ profiles? How do you acquire them?
Our user base comprises professional engineers, façade inspectors, asset managers, construction project managers, and drone pilots.
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Regarding customer acquisition, warm introductions, referrals, and a good track record always help. Secondly, the company must be visible at a certain level so that people know about us before we even knock on doors.
In this aspect, BCA has always supported home-grown businesses. Programmes such as the BEAMP have been instrumental in connecting industry players with local startups while showcasing their innovative capabilities and products.
Outside of such events, whenever an industry player faces a challenge that a local startup may be able to solve, BCA would also not hesitate to actively help make a connection.
In the near term, we remain focused on inspecting buildings in the local market while gradually building an overseas presence. We are looking forward to exporting our experiences and offerings to other countries in Asia Pacific.
Sector-wise, we aim to be involved in more mid-size construction projects.
What is the funding history of Operva AI?
We have so far been primarily funded by shareholder equity and revenue from projects, with some support from government grants.
In terms of investors, we believe the best fit will be an investor who is familiar with the built environment industry and has a roadmap for creating value with us or who is keen to bring us into adjacent sectors such as infrastructure.
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What is your big plan for 2024 and beyond?
Our current software suite is now fully commercialised, which marks a significant milestone in terms of product development.
So, firstly, as a business, in the short term, we aim to become even better at providing our current solution offerings to bring more value to our customers. Second, in terms of technology, we will be moving onto the next phase, where we integrate our current suite of products more tightly and enhance our 3D model outputs so that they can be applied to more use cases.
Overall, the next two years will be both critical and exciting, and we are looking forward to seeing how Operva AI develops alongside the industry in this current wave of digital transformation.
We deeply appreciate the open communication channels with government agencies like the BCA and their continuous support. Events such as the International Built Environment Week (IBEW) allow us to understand the latest trends ahead to better plan our next strategic moves.
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Image Credit: Operva AI
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