Johnson Controls has acquired Nantum AI, a New York-based company that develops AI algorithms aimed at improving energy savings, system controls and operational efficiency in buildings.
The deal is intended to expand Johnson Controls’ OpenBlue digital platform by adding algorithms designed to optimise HVAC performance and reduce energy consumption, according to the company.
Johnson Controls said Nantum AI’s technology will be used to optimise real-time airflow based on building occupancy, complementing existing OpenBlue capabilities that focus on efficiency at central HVAC chiller plants. The company said the first combined offering is currently being piloted, with complex facilities such as healthcare campuses and advanced manufacturing environments cited as potential use cases.
“We’re entering the next phase of the industrial revolution, where digital intelligence is as critical as the physical systems themselves, and the companies that leverage the power of AI to streamline processes, cut costs and unlock new customer value will win,” said Vijay Sankaran, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Johnson Controls. “With the addition of Nantum AI, we’re helping our customers better reduce energy use, manage complexity and run more resilient, efficient facilities.”
Johnson Controls said the acquisition extends OpenBlue from water-side optimisation into “autonomous, AI-driven control” across air- and water-side applications, with the goal of supporting more automated operational decisions while maintaining comfort and reliability.
“Artificial intelligence has enormous potential to improve how buildings operate and, with energy demand and costs continuing to climb, leveraging it to increase energy efficiency is a business imperative,” said Michael Rudin, board member of Prescriptive Holdings LLC. “Nantum AI is already delivering more than 10% energy savings for customers and we are pleased to see how our algorithms complement Johnson Controls’ existing deep building expertise.” Nantum AI is owned by Prescriptive Holdings, LLC.
Johnson Controls said Nantum AI will add to its building technology portfolio by providing efficiency recommendations and enhanced control across air handling units, fans and other air circulation equipment. The company said the approach uses internal and external data sources such as weather patterns and utility bill trends to support more sophisticated optimisation without compromising occupant comfort.
