Munich Startup: What does Emidat do? What problem does it solve?
Lisa Oberaigner, CEO and Co-Founder of Emidat: We are building the world's leading environmental operating system (eOS) for the construction industry. We are starting by developing an AI-powered environmental data generation solution for building material manufacturers. This data will help manufacturers create life cycle assessments and EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) for their products – a process that is currently very time-consuming and costly. We are succeeding in shortening the time required to create an EPD from approximately twelve months to one week and reducing the cost from around €15,000 to just a few hundred euros per product.
In the long term, we want to Emidat is the leading provider of climate intelligence in the construction industry We collect environmental data directly where it is generated – at the building material manufacturers – and make it available along the entire value chain. Through our solution, we promote transparency and sustainability in the industry, thus making a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Munich Startup: But that's been around for a long time!
Lisa Oberaigner: While tools already exist, we are the first to develop a vendor- and product-independent tool for generating verified environmental data. A key advantage of our technology is that we can skip the final, costly, and time-consuming verification step—our tool is already fully verified.
We automate data collection and processing and reduce manual entry with the help of our AI model, which has been trained on over 130,000 existing EPDs. This makes the entire process faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective.
The construction industry is one of the largest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide
Munich Startup: What is your founding story?
Lisa Oberaigner: We both knew we wanted to start a business in the construction industry, as this sector is one of the largest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
Florian, who comes from a family with 100 years of experience in construction, and I, who had already studied sustainability in the construction industry during my master's studies, knew that we wanted to make a difference in this sector.
Initially, we wanted to share existing data with project developers and architects to help them make more sustainable decisions. However, at the BAU trade fair and in discussions with stakeholders, we realized that the real problem wasn't the use of the data, but its collection. We saw great potential here, especially in light of the upcoming Construction Products Regulation, which will gradually make the provision of this data mandatory.
Through more than 400 interviews with experts from the construction industry and other relevant stakeholders, we were able to validate our hypotheses and further refine the business model.
Challenge: Team building
Munich Startup: What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Lisa Oberaigner: One of the biggest challenges for us was building a strong and competent team. We also had to balance the diverse requirements and desires of our customers with the need to develop a scalable and future-proof product.
Munich Startup: Where would you like to be in one year, where in five years?
Lisa Oberaigner: In one year, we aim to be an established name among all building materials manufacturers in Europe when it comes to environmental data generation. Emidat will be the preferred solution for the efficient generation of EPDs that promote transparency and sustainability in the industry.
In five years, we want to be represented and recognized throughout the entire construction industry and provide the data basis for sustainable construction so that Europe can achieve its sustainability goals. True to the motto: "What you don't measure, you can't improve."
Munich Startup: How have you experienced Munich as a startup location so far?
Lisa Oberaigner: Very positive! Because through networks like the UnternehmerTUM or the CDTM There are plenty of opportunities for exchange and networking with other startups. Many of the founders know each other and are always helpful if you have questions.
Among other places, we were based at the Munich Urban Colab, a fantastic startup hub in the heart of the city. Many innovative companies meet here regularly, and exciting events are held that encourage exchange.
Emidat: Business model with impact
Munich Startup: Hidden champion or shooting star?
Lisa Oberaigner: Currently, we see ourselves more as a hidden champion. The construction industry may seem unsexy to many, but as one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, it offers enormous potential for innovation and sustainability. Furthermore, it's a huge industry that's still under-digitalized. With Emidat, we've developed a business model that can have a tremendous long-term impact.
