High-end geospatial technology company ai mapit spins out of Trinity

Posted on: 26 September 2023

Based on groundbreaking research in deep learning and computer vision, ai mapittechnology uses novel statistical and image processing techniques to assign a unique GPS coordinate to assets in the built environment. 

Once tagged, the resulting digitised asset maps can significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of maintenance and monitoring for a range of roadside infrastructure operators including Telecoms and Utility Operators, Road Management Agencies and Smart Cities.

Originally funded by an Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation fund (2020-2022), the ai mapit research team, led by Professor Rozenn Dahyot based at Maynooth University, has been mentored through startup accelerators and enterprise development programmes in ADAPT and Trinity as well as externally through the AWS Startup Loft Accelerator.

Now entering the regional finals of the InterTrade Ireland Seedcorn competition, the founders are moving at pace to close a seed round investment to take this technology to the global market.

A GIS is a framework that creates, analyses, and maps all types of location-based information. ai mapit utilises technology at the intersection of GIS, artificial intelligence, and computer vision to ensure the most up-to-date records are available to operators.

Using street level imagery from existing repositories, the ai mapit platform can deploy its neural network to automatically detect objects of interest visible in the images and assign an accurate GPS tag to each one along with detailed measurements such as height of signs or poles, width, and distance from verge and monitor them overtime to assess damage, growth of surrounding trees, and occlusion.

By implementing this innovative solution, ai mapit is helping to enhance productivity, reduce operational costs and carbon footprint by minimising the number of site visits. 

Speaking about the development, Professor Dahyot said:

“Through ai mapit, clients in industries ranging from telecommunications and utility network operators, urban planning, infrastructure management, and environmental sustainability will gain access to innovative tools that streamline decision-making processes and enhance operational efficiency. The company's commitment to providing accurate, timely, and actionable geospatial insights is set to redefine the landscape of GIS services.”

Neil Gordon, Startup Development Manager at Trinity College Dublin, said:

“Trinity is Ireland’s leading university in terms of startup generation and is particularly successful in creating new deeptech AI spinouts. Trinity Innovation & Enterprise looks forward to supporting the whole ai mapit team, as they translate their unique and innovative research into a solution that will reduce costs and increase efficiencies for remote infrastructure management."

“This spin-out represents a strategic step in our journey to bridge the gap between academic excellence and real-world impact,” added Julie Connelly, CEO of ai mapit. “Our team's dedication to excellence, combined with the knowledge and resources gained from our association with the SFI ADAPT Centre at Trinity College Dublin and its partner institutions at Dublin City University and Maynooth University, positions us for success as we embark on this exciting venture.”

As an independent entity, ai mapit will continue to collaborate with academic institutions, industry partners, and clients to advance state of the art in GIS and remote sensing and address the evolving challenges of the digital age for remote infrastructure management. With a commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer-centricity, ai mapit is poised to lead the charge in shaping the future of the GIS market.

For more information see the ai mapit website. 

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