4 Leading Asian Corporate Innovation Players

The AEC industry holds a long-time reputation of being weary towards adopting innovative solutions and technology. In order to have positive momentum towards the future of the built world, these new solutions need to attract those with the traditional mindset that their solution is a vital tool towards industry-wide growth. In the new era of technology, innovation players are appearing on the scene at an accelerated rate throughout the world. Within this piece will be a highlight of four corporate innovation players throughout Asia that are pushing for industry growth.

BuiltWorlds is thrilled to host the inaugural Tokyo Summit this October at the Conrad Hotel. This two-day event aspires to foster collaboration between Asian innovators while allowing participants based outside of Asia the opportunity to gain vital insights of the developments and advancements occurring within the region. Above all, this summit will be a knowledge exchange–discussing all of the intricacies and emerging technologies within the built world.

Looking to learn from and connect with top innovators in Asia?

Andpad is revolutionizing construction management in Japan with their cloud-based software. Users are empowered to centralize project oversight, from site efficiency to management innovation to assist all stakeholders. Andpad enhances a project team’s communication, allowing for a stronger coordination of tasks such as scaffolding, reinforcement arrangement, and construction sequences.

In July of 2023, Andpad released a beta version of “ANDPAD BIM”, which aims to streamline on-site communication through its software that is accessible via web or app. This application offers an extensive range of features that allows supervisors to effortlessly communicate  complex information beyond the drawings. This includes projects that involve theoretical scaffolding blueprints, construction sequences, and validation of reinforcement layouts.

Since its inception in 1965, Obayashi has acted as a top construction and real estate developer within Asia through its domestic and international building construction, civil engineering, and real estate work. Obayashi began localizing its operations within Singapore and has contributed to multiple iconic buildings within Singapore’s skyline such as the Treasury Building, SIA Building, and One Raffles Quay.

A notable project completed i Obayashi in partnership with Woh Hup, is the Jewel Changi Airport which was completed in 2019. This famous hub offers over 280 retail and dining options, a hotel and airport facilities, gardens, and other attractions all connected to Changi Airport's Terminal 1.

Snaptrude offers cloud-based building design that encourages web-based collaboration and quality data insights on budget, compliance, and climate, all powered by intelligent BIM. This facilitates real-time multi-user collaboration throughout the design process with real-time feedback on building costs, compliance, and climate studies to foster more well-informed design decisions. Users have the ability to see the impact of small designs changes throughout the project, allowing them to change as they go to adhere to their budget, local compliance, and climate needs.

In January of 2023, Snaptrude raised $6.6M in seed funding, making its total raised to $7.8M. This round of funding is going to be utilized to bring product enhancements for the company and promote further growth for the future of Snaptrude and its projects.

Taisei, one of Japan’s oldest and largest general construction contractors, holds significant influence in Asia and beyond. Their main areas of focus include building construction, civil engineering, and real estate development–providing ample solutions for stakeholders within the ecosystem. Some of its most well-known projects include the Almas Tower in Dubai, Landmark Tower in Yokohama, and Midtown Center in Tokyo.

A current development that Taisei is applying within its projects is carbon-recycled concrete, called T- e Concrete®/Carbon-Recycle, that emits a negative CO2 balance. This concrete is being used to build as the foundation for a pedestrian bridge and will be utilized in future projects to decarbonize the built world.