Suffolk's 2025 ConTech Startup Picks Announced

Suffolk Technologies, the venture capital arm of Boston-based Suffolk Construction, has announced the conclusion of its sixth BOOST tech accelerator program, as detailed in a news release dated November 20, 2023.

Eight startups were selected to present their innovative solutions at the Demo Day event, which attracted investors, experts, and stakeholders. Since its inception in 2020, the BOOST program has graduated 38 startups, including notable names like Trunk Tools and Kaya AI, which have collectively raised over $700 million in funding.

This year's program drew upon a network of 55 partner organizations, including 28 construction firms, to provide participating companies access to clients and pilot projects on active job sites. Among the eight startups in the BOOST 6 cohort are ARKI from Canada, which offers a design system for architecture and engineering firms that reportedly speeds up project completion by 50 percent using past data.

Cyphra Autonomy, based in Fenton, Missouri, has developed a robotic material movement solution featuring automated wagons tailored for construction environments, allowing teams to focus on higher-value tasks.

Dig Energy from Manchester, New Hampshire, is introducing geothermal drilling technology that boasts greater cost efficiency and thermal effectiveness compared to traditional equipment. Hardline, located in Los Angeles, provides a voice-first call transcription solution that documents decisions made during phone calls for construction teams.

MOD from Switzerland has created a platform that assesses the prefab potential in architectural designs, streamlining supply chain opportunities for quicker adoption of prefabrication. Neuron Factory from Redwood City, California, offers an AI coworker platform that enhances preconstruction data workflows to improve accuracy in estimation and planning.

Ouros Materials, based in New York City, produces ultra-tough, fire-resistant composites created from captured carbon dioxide. Lastly, Puppet Robotics from San Francisco has developed a semi-autonomous robotic arm designed to ensure worker safety on elevated job sites while maintaining human precision.

Each participant in the BOOST program receives $100,000 on a post-money SAFE, or Simple Agreement for Future Equity, in exchange for 3 percent equity in their company. Suffolk Technologies also retains the right to invest in these firms' next financing rounds for up to 20 percent of the offered securities.

The announcement coincides with a critical moment for the construction technology ecosystem, as more traditional builders are beginning to invest directly in startups. Suffolk's Chief Technology Officer, Jit Kee Chin, noted that artificial intelligence is a significant driver in this space, predicting its rise within the industry, although some contractors remain slow to adopt these advancements, despite recognizing their potential benefits.

This trend emphasizes the growing importance of technological innovation in construction as the industry evolves.