Traditional industries are facing stagnation, and there is a growing recognition that their problems are too complex for conventional software solutions to address efficiently. UK pioneer Cogna has recently secured £3.76m in funding to introduce sophisticated AI technology to real industries like manufacturing and civil engineering. The goal is to tackle the most challenging issues these sectors encounter, all while significantly reducing costs and time compared to traditional software consultancy services.
Founded in 2023 by Ben Peters and Lars Mennen, Cogna has garnered support from key investors such as Hoxton Ventures, Notion Capital, and Octopus First Cheque Fund. The team boasts a roster of notable individuals, including Stan Boland, Hermann Hauser, Professor Neil Lawrence, Zayd Enam, Tim Shi, Ping Wu, Aviv Nevo, and Nick Elliot. The company's mission is to leverage AI to transform the practical application of technology in industries where productivity growth has been stagnant or declining, affecting a significant portion of western economies.
Cogna's innovative approach involves providing an AI-driven SaaS platform that simplifies data integration across various business functions. This empowers domain experts to create bespoke software tools in collaboration with AI to drive analysis, optimizations, and decisions that lead to substantial improvements. The platform addresses the inherent complexity of diverse processes in sectors like civil engineering and manufacturing, where off-the-shelf solutions often fall short. The company's early success and positive reception from clients like Cadent Gas highlight the potential impact of their technology on real-world operations and efficiency.
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