Johnson Controls has announced the acquisition of Nantum AI, a New York-based company specializing in AI algorithms to help businesses unlock energy savings, enhance system controls and improve operational efficiency. The acquisition strengthens the Johnson Controls OpenBlue digital ecosystem by adding proven, proprietary AI-driven algorithms that further optimize HVAC performance and reduce energy consumption.
Nantum AI will expand capabilities within the Johnson Controls OpenBlue digital ecosystem to optimize real-time airflow in buildings based on occupancy for customers across industries. Together with existing offerings that drive efficiencies at the central HVAC chiller plant, these capabilities will support more comprehensive optimization of HVAC systems across complex facilities such as healthcare campuses and advanced manufacturing environments. The first combined offering is currently being piloted.
“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.”
By extending intelligence across the full HVAC system, Johnson Controls is expanding OpenBlue’s world-class water-side optimization capabilities to include autonomous, AI-driven control across air- and water-side applications. This addition enhances OpenBlue’s ability to help building operators make more informed, automated decisions that improve energy efficiency 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.
Nantum AI will add to Johnson Controls’ growing portfolio of AI-powered building solutions delivering efficiency recommendations and enhanced control across air handling units, fans and other air circulation equipment. By adding this layer on top of a traditional building automation system, building operators can leverage data from internal and external sources like weather patterns and utility bill trends – allowing for more sophisticated efficiency recommendations and execution without compromising occupant comfort.
