AI-Powered Construction Optioneering with René Morkos AEC Business

In this episode of the AEC Business Podcast, Aarni Heiskanen interviews René Morkos, the founder and CEO of ALICE Technologies. They discuss construction tech, AI, and ALICE Core, the company’s latest product launch.







How the construction technology landscape has changed







The construction tech industry has evolved significantly since 2015, as discussed with René.







In 2015, there was a lack of understanding and reluctance toward construction tech, with some investors even hesitant to invest in the sector. However, by 2017-2018, there was a noticeable shift as construction tech became a sought-after investment opportunity.







This change was attributed to the emergence of chief innovation officers, pilot programs, and innovation budgets within construction companies. They signaled a growing acceptance and integration of technology within the industry.







Increased funding and a new ecosystem







One key transformation in the construction tech landscape has been the increased funding availability for construction tech ideas. René mentioned that today, it is possible to raise money for construction tech concepts, indicating a shift in the funding environment to support technological advancements in the sector.







Another significant change is establishing an ecosystem that supports the identification, evaluation, and integration of technology in construction.







Companies now have AI strategies, innovation strategies, pilot programs, and dedicated CIOs, reflecting a more structured approach toward adopting and implementing technology in construction projects.







There’s space for more startups







The podcast also discussed the growing number of startups in the construction tech space. This indicates a surge in innovation and technological solutions tailored for the industry.







René emphasized the need for more startups in construction tech, suggesting that the industry is ripe for technological advancements and digitization.







What’s new in ALICE







ALICE Technologies offers an AI scheduling platform that revolutionizes the construction industry by optimizing projects, delivering substantial cost savings, and enhancing efficiency.







René highlighted how ALICE now allows for applying constraint models to schedules. This enables users to ask the software questions and receive real-time answers on the best ways to mitigate delays, resequence work, adjust resources, and more. This level of dynamic decision-making within the scheduling system is a game-changer for construction projects.







The implementation process for ALICE has been significantly streamlined with the introduction of ALICE Core. Previously, setting up the system could take weeks, but now, clients can be up and running within hours. This ease of implementation and user-friendly interface makes it accessible to a wider range of construction projects, from infrastructure to industrial, with a sweet spot of projects valued at 10 million and above.







Success stories







Success stories shared in the episode, such as working with companies on projects like the HS2 high-speed rail in the UK and oil and gas facilities, demonstrate the tangible benefits of using ALICE.







The platform has delivered millions of dollars in cost savings, optimized resource management, and streamlined project timelines. These success stories underscore the value that ALICE Technologies brings to the construction industry.







Looking ahead, Alice Technologies is focused on further enhan...