What fundamental shifts must businesses make today to build a solid foundation for the next decade?  

Data-driven dynamic businesses to build a solid foundation while increasing the level of automation in processes, data-driven decision-making, and sustainability mindset as core strategies. The real estate sector, for instance, is a major contributor to global emissions, and data-driven operations and management is essential. Companies must shift from reactive to predictive operations, focus on actual needs during the budgeting, integrating reliable and scalable digital solutions to reduce costs, improve energy efficiency, and meet environmental goals. 

What has been the most game-changing innovation or strategy that helped your company or team to reach a breakthrough?  

The key breakthrough for R8 Technologies was the focusing on the control capabilities of AI implementation on top of existing building automation for real-time building energy optimization. Initially, property owners were skeptical to allow the control of “Digital Operator”, but by delivering measurable savings and environmental benefits, AI has proven its value. In 2024 alone, R8 Technologies’ AI made 15 million adjustments, reducing carbon emissions by 29,000 tonnes and saving €9 million in energy costs. This focus on transparency, measurable results, and ease of implementation has been crucial to success. 

What is the biggest challenge in turning great ideas into impactful execution, and how do you overcome it?  

One of the biggest challenges is overcoming resistance to change—especially with emerging technologies like AI. The end-users/clients do not want to risk and do not want to miss the potential added value at the same time. The approach that worked for R8 Technologies was demonstrating tangible value. By showcasing real-world case studies and continuously developing the product to pioneer the technology, the company proved that data-driven control could bring remarkable savings in energy use without sacrificing comfort.  

Collaboration is key to scaling success. What’s one partnership or community-driven initiative that has created significant synergy and shaped your company’s journey? 

Ülemiste City cooperation is a great example. R8 is dedicated to develop novel features and Ulemiste City is the innovative partner. Having a great match from beginning after a pilot project a few years back, both sides have been transparent and helpful to expand the cooperation in multiple ways. We do cooperation in large spectrum from joint scientific articles to use of elevator data for reducing carbon emissions by engaging international partners.