The team has now grown to consist of 13 members with complementary skills within software development, design, architecture, and business development, and we are proud to claim them as members of NORA.startup. Arealize has successfully applied for two research projects with NORA partners, including Norsk Regnesentral. Starting with an idea, Arealize has pivoted and been introduced to larger markets. Through the NORA.startup community, Arealize has gained access to a ecosystem of innovators and researchers - and this is their story!
Tell us about Arealize - how did the adventure begin?
Arealize is a software specifically developed for commercial real estate companies, leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline the generation and adaptation of floor plans. Its utility extends to scenarios where adjustments are needed in the office space of existing tenants, as well as in situations when a vacant space needs preparation for new occupants.
Within the Arealize platform, users simply upload the existing floor plan and the specifications provided by the tenant. Subsequently, Arealize offers three design proposals, all while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. These proposals can be effortlessly customized by users through Arealize's integrated drawing tool.
Have you collaborated with academia? What role has research played in the establishment of your startup?
Through the DistriksForsk grant, Arealize collaborated with NTNU to conduct research where the main objective of the preliminary project was to create a tool for algorithmic placement and adjustment of non-load-bearing walls in floor plans of existing commercial buildings, regardless of size and shape. Arealize is now embarking on its second research project, in collaboration with the Norwegian Computing Center (Norsk Regnesentral), funded by the Regional Research Fund.
The partnership with external research institutions has significantly enriched the growth of Arealize. While our team is primarily youthful yet highly motivated, we may not always possess the full spectrum of expertise and experience necessary to create top-tier solutions to everything we have ambitions in solving. Gaining insights from fellow researchers, encompassing their methodologies and leveraging their expertise, has notably enhanced our outcomes and prepared us for forthcoming ventures.
How would Arealize like to work with academia in the future to further develop your solution and contribute to research based innovation within your sector/ field?
Above all, our priority is to successfully conclude our current research project in collaboration with the Norwegian Computing Center.
Looking ahead, Arealize anticipates partnering with academic institutions and engaging with students on master's theses to advance our technology and contribute to research-driven innovation in the real estate and AI sectors. With the goal to enhance our solution and stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
What are some new ideas you are working on for Arealize?/ What can we expect from Arealize in the future?
Arealize aims to establish themselves as the go-to solution for real estate companies when it comes to presenting and customizing floor plans, setting a new industry standard. They will have generated the first floor plan from a Swedish customer within the next six months.
From idea to market - What lessons have you learned and what advice can you provide future novice AI entrepreneurs?
Moving from conceptualization to market realization can pose significant challenges. Key takeaways from our journey include recognizing the vital role of cohesive teamwork, active customer engagement, and the ability to adapt to dynamic market demands. We encourage aspiring AI entrepreneurs to persevere, continuously learn, and be open to mentorship and support.
How can NORA.startup support you and your team in future endeavors?
The most important thing for us is to know that we can reach out to the ecosystem when we encounter issues that we would like to discuss with someone who has expertise that we do not possess ourselves. Also we like keeping up with news and latest trends within the field through the NORA.startup channels.
Have you experienced any unexpected things during the development of the tool?
Initially, we believed we were developing the tool exclusively for office spaces, but the technology has demonstrated its effectiveness in a variety of commercial real estates, including hotels, shopping malls, airports, warehouses, and logistics. The most surprising and somewhat amusing applications have been floor plans of a bowling alley and a candy factory.
We would like to congratulate Arealize on their well-earned success, as they are now working closely with all the largest real estate firms in Norway. Want to learn more about how AI is used in the real estate industry, or interested in collaborating on a research project? Get in touch with the team by visiting the Arealize Website or sending them an email at contact@arealize.ai.