Latest news with #viAct
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
viAct fuels MENA's expansion via $7.3mln funding round
Mubasher: Hong Kong-based AI company viAct has raised $7.30 million in a Series A round led by Ireland's VentureWave Capital, with participation from Singtel Innov8 and Korean Investment Partners. The company plans to expand its business globally and in the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, to support its construction and energy sectors with AI-driven safety and productivity solutions, according to a press release. With this funding, viAct will grow its AI research and development (R&D), build local teams in MENA, and localize its technology to meet the region's environmental, regulatory, and operational needs. Gary Ng, Co-founder and CEO of viAct, commented: "Our goal is to redefine industry standards, positioning viAct at the forefront of this transformation. With our cutting-edge AI solutions, we aim to empower every stakeholder to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and responsibility." Hugo Cheuk, Co-founder and COO of viAct, stated: "As we expand into new markets, our commitment to leveraging AI for smarter safety practices has never been stronger. This investment allows us to enhance our technology and further our mission of creating a safer, more sustainable work environment." Sharan Makhija, Senior Director – Investments of Singtel Innov8, noted: 'viAct's AI-powered platform can leverage 5G networks to enable real-time monitoring, instant alerts, and data-driven insights. By integrating AI with 5G connectivity, viAct enhances operational efficiency, ensures proactive hazard detection, and helps create safer, more responsive work environments.' Founded in 2016, viAct serves more than 200 contractors globally with its AI-powered platform for real-time risk detection, predictive analytics, and automated compliance.
Wamda
22-05-2025
- Business
- Wamda
viAct raises $7.3 million to accelerate MENA expansion
viAct, a Hong Kong-based AI company, has raised $7.3 million in a Series A round led by Ireland's VentureWave Capital, with participation from Singtel Innov8 and Korean Investment Partners. The company plans to expand aggressively in the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, to support its booming construction and energy sectors with AI-driven safety and productivity solutions. Founded in 2016, viAct serves over 200 contractors globally with its AI-powered platform for real-time risk detection, predictive analytics, and automated compliance. Its solution has helped companies prevent thousands of incidents while improving project timelines, operational efficiency, and profitability across sectors including construction, oil & gas, and logistics. With this funding, viAct will grow its AI R&D, build local teams in MENA, and localise its technology to meet the region's environmental, regulatory, and operational needs. Press release: Workplace safety isn't just about compliance—it's about protecting lives, preventing costly delays, and driving business profitability. Yet, for decades, industries like construction, oil & gas, and manufacturing have relied on reactive measures, addressing safety incidents only after they occur. AI is changing that. By leveraging real-time risk detection, predictive analytics, and automated interventions, companies are now transforming safety into a strategic advantage that enhances efficiency, reduces financial losses, and accelerates project timelines. One company at the forefront of this revolution is viAct and with its latest funding, it's poised to redefine how safety impacts the bottom line. viAct, an AI-powered impact monitoring platform, announced the close of its US$7.3M Series A round, led by Dublin-based private equity firm VentureWave Capital, with participation from the CVC of Asia's leading communications technology group Singtel, Singtel Innov8, Korean Investment Partners, and The PolyU Entrepreneurship Investment Fund. This funding marks a major milestone in viAct's mission to redefine workplace safety not just by preventing accidents but by transforming safety into a profit-driving advantage for businesses. viAct, a pioneer in AI-driven safety solutions, has developed an ecosystem that reduces costly delays, improves operational efficiency, and maximises project profitability while ensuring compliance and worker well-being. This has made it the first choice for 200+ contractors worldwide. Unlike traditional site monitoring, which relies on manual oversight and fragmented tools, viAct's AI-powered platform delivers real-time risk detection, predictive analytics, and automated interventions. This allows companies to reduce downtime, avoid expensive disruptions, and accelerate project timelines. The result? Double-digit efficiency gains, lower insurance costs, and stronger bottom-line performance. While many AI solutions address isolated challenges like PPE compliance or hazard detection, viAct has been pioneering a holistic AI monitoring platform since 2016. Seamlessly integrating proprietary computer vision models with advanced AI Agents, viAct does not just enhance safety; it optimizes workflows, prevents costly errors, and boosts overall site productivity across industries like construction, oil & gas, mining, logistics, facility management, and manufacturing. The business case for AI-driven safety is undeniable. Companies using viAct's solutions have prevented thousands of workplace incidents, significantly reducing liability and insurance claims. By mitigating risks in real time, projects are completed faster, minimising unexpected delays and financial losses. AI automation has also improved workforce productivity, eliminating the need for manual compliance tracking while ensuring seamless regulatory adherence. Moreover, viAct's AI optimises resource use, helping businesses achieve sustainability targets faster and reduce environmental impact. With this latest funding, viAct is set to: Advance AI capabilities – Developing more sophisticated models for hazard prediction, environmental compliance, and workforce safety to help businesses maximise efficiency while maintaining regulatory compliance. Expand globally – Strengthening its presence in the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, where demand for AI-driven safety and operational efficiency solutions is growing rapidly. Grow its team – Attracting top AI, engineering, and sustainability talent to push the boundaries of innovation and industry transformation. This investment is more than just capital; it is a catalyst for reshaping workplace safety into a strategic business advantage. As industries worldwide tighten regulations and demand greater accountability, viAct is bridging the gap between compliance and profitability, proving that safety is not just a legal requirement but also a competitive edge. In this context, both Gary Ng and Hugo Cheuk emphasise viAct's commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI, with a strong focus on empowering stakeholders to drive critical impact in the society. "We envision a future where construction is synonymous with innovation, safety, and sustainability," said Gary Ng, Co-founder and CEO of viAct. "This funding is not just a financial milestone—it is a catalyst for change. Our goal is to redefine industry standards, positioning viAct at the forefront of this transformation. With our cutting-edge AI solutions, we aim to empower every stakeholder to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and responsibility." In the cosmopolitan when industries are embracing automation for an improved operation, viAct's innovation has been becoming indispensable for contractors, manufacturers, and enterprise leaders worldwide. More than just an AI solution, viAct has become the flag bearer of the movement toward smarter, safer, and more sustainable industrial practices on a global scale. Echoing this vision, Hugo Cheuk, Co-founder and COO of viAct, stated: "As we expand into new markets, our commitment to leveraging AI for smarter safety practices has never been stronger. This investment allows us to enhance our technology and further our mission of creating a safer, more sustainable work environment." 'Singtel Innov8 is proud to support viAct in its mission to enhance workplace safety for frontline workers,' said Sharan Makhija, Senior Director – Investments of Singtel Innov8. 'viAct's AI-powered platform can leverage 5G networks to enable real-time monitoring, instant alerts, and data-driven insights. By integrating AI with 5G connectivity, viAct enhances operational efficiency, ensures proactive hazard detection, and helps create safer, more responsive work environments.' The message is clear: smart safety pays off. Contractors using viAct are not just preventing accidents; they are reducing liabilities, completing projects faster, and driving higher profitability. With AI taking the guesswork out of risk management, safety is no longer a burden but a growth enabler. As industries push for efficiency, compliance, and sustainability, viAct is proving that the safest sites are also the most successful.
Mid East Info
16-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Safety AI startup viAct raises USD 7.3 Million Series A for expansion in MENA & Europe - Middle East Business News and Information
ViAct , a Hong Kong-based artificial intelligence (AI) company, announced Tuesday the close of $7.3 million Series A round led by Dublin-based private equity firm Venturewave Capital. ViAct said in a statement that the funding round also saw participation from Singtel Innov8, the corporate venture capital fund of Singtel, the Singapore-based communications technology group, Korea Investment Partners and PolyU Entrepreneurship Investment Fund. With this funding, viAct aims to advance AI capabilities by developing more sophisticated models for hazard prediction, environmental compliance, and workforce safety across heavy industries. The firm also plans to expand globally by strengthening its presence in Middle East (e.g. Saudi Arabia), where demand for AI-driven safety solutions is growing rapidly. It also aims to grow its team by attracting top talent in AI, engineering, and sustainability to push the boundaries of innovation. 'We envision a future where construction is synonymous with innovation, safety, and sustainability,' said Gary Ng, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of viAct. According to him, this funding is not just a financial milestone, it is also a catalyst for change. 'Our goal is to redefine industry standards, positioning viAct at the forefront of this transformation, 'With our cutting-edge AI solutions, we aim to empower every stakeholder to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and responsibility,' he added. Meanwhile, Hugo Cheuk, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of viAct, said that as the firm expands into new markets, its commitment to leveraging AI for smarter safety practices has never been stronger. 'This investment allows us to enhance our technology and further our mission of creating a safer, more sustainable work environment,' he added. ViAct is an impact AI company focused on improving safety and efficiency in high-risk industries like construction, oil & gas, manufacturing and mining. The firm has built an AI-powered ecosystem that continuously detects risks, ensures compliance, and enhances efficiency across construction projects and other critical industries. It has also been pioneering an AI monitoring platform since 2016, integrating proprietary computer vision models to elevate both safety and operational efficiency across job sites. 'ViAct is a prime example of how high-impact, scalable companies are emerging from the global startup ecosystem,' Venturewave Capital's Chairman and Managing Partner Alan Foy said. 'At Venturewave Capital, we back visionary founders who are leveraging technology to transform industries, and viAct is doing exactly that in AI-powered sustainability and workplace safety, 'We look forward to supporting viAct as they expand their impact across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond,' he added. According to the statement, this investment fuels viAct's broader mission: to create a world where critical workplaces are not just monitored but meaningfully connected, fostering better governance and accountability. As governments and industries push for stronger safety regulations, viAct's AI-powered solutions bridge the gap between policy and execution—ensuring safety, sustainability, and worker well-being become a reality, not just long-term goals. 'ViAct's AI-powered platform can leverage 5G networks to enable real-time monitoring, instant alerts, and data-driven insights, 'By integrating AI with 5G connectivity, viAct enhances operational efficiency, ensures timely and proactive hazard detection, and helps create safer, more responsive work environments,' said Kum Tho Wan, Managing Director of Singtel Innov8. Meanwhile, Synclare Kim, Head of KIPSEA, said that at Korea Investment Partners, the firm is committed to supporting visionary companies that leverage cutting-edge technology to drive meaningful impact. 'ViAct's AI-driven solutions are transforming workplace safety and operational efficiency across high-risk industries, and with increasing government mandates for video analytics in construction safety, the company is well- positioned for significant growth, 'We…look forward to seeing it scale its innovation globally to create safer, smarter, and more sustainable work environments,' he added. Kelvin Wong, Director of Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, said that viAct's AI-driven solutions are revolutionizing workplace safety and sustainability – a mission deeply aligned with its vision of nurturing ventures that address global challenges. 'This funding milestone underscores the potential of homegrown talent, and we look forward to continuing our support as viAct scales globally,' he added. Oscar Ramos, Managing General Partner of Orbit Startups, said that the firm backed viAct early on because the founding team saw the opportunity to modernize one of the world's most traditional industries. 'ViAct's AI-powered platform is transforming safety, productivity, and accountability on the ground,' he said adding that the firm is keen in supporting viAct to scale its impact and expand into new frontiers — especially across the Middle East, a region ripe for innovation in infrastructure and development.
Mid East Info
26-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Digital Permit Systems: Boosting Safety in Mideast's Extreme Sites
The Middle East is home to some of the world's most demanding industrial environments—oilfields in the scorching deserts, offshore rigs in turbulent waters, and expansive construction projects rising amid extreme heat. In such high-risk settings, ensuring worker safety and regulatory compliance is a top priority. Digital Permit-to-Work (PTW) systems are revolutionizing safety protocols by replacing traditional, paper-based permits with AI-powered, real-time solutions. Speaking about the urgent need for safety advancements in high-risk environments, Gary Ng, CEO of viAct, emphasizes, 'The Middle East's industrial sites face some of the harshest working conditions globally, from extreme temperatures to volatile operational zones. AI-powered Digital Permit Systems are revolutionizing safety measures, ensuring compliance, and significantly reducing risks.' Why Manual Permit-to-Work Systems Are No Longer Enough In industries such as oil & gas, construction, and heavy manufacturing, traditional permit-to-work (PTW) systems rely heavily on paperwork and manual approvals. This outdated process often leads to delays, miscommunication, and compliance gaps. viAct's AI-powered Digital Permit System automates work authorization processes, offering real-time monitoring, instant approvals, and intelligent alerts. The system ensures that only authorized personnel enter hazardous zones by integrating computer vision and edge AI, reducing unauthorized entries by up to 80%. A leading refinery in Saudi Arabia adopted a Digital Permit System integrated with AI video analytics. The result? A 92% reduction in unauthorized access to confined spaces and a 70% decrease in manual permit processing time. In a UAE-based megaproject, viAct's permit-to-work software streamlined safety enforcement in extreme heat conditions. The system enabled easy mobile access for quick approvals, automated equipment checks, and real-time inspections. By detecting PPE non-compliance and instantly alerting site managers, the platform ensured a 10x improvement in safety adherence. As Hugo Cheuk, COO of viAct, aptly puts it, 'The future of workplace safety lies in intelligent automation. AI-powered Digital Permit Systems are redefining how industrial operations are managed in the world's most extreme environments.' Eliminating Delays and Risks with Digital Permit Management Traditional permit-to-work processes are slow, paperwork-heavy, and prone to human error, often causing operational delays and safety risks. viAct's AI-powered Digital Permit System is transforming how industries manage work authorizations by automating approvals, ensuring compliance, and enhancing workplace safety in real time. For instance, an industrial site that switched to real-time authorization with digital signatures reduced permit processing time by 70%, enabling work to start hours faster than before. The automated risk & conflict assessment feature flagged potential hazards instantly, preventing over 90% of safety conflicts that would have otherwise gone unnoticed in manual reviews. To ensure only qualified workers entered hazardous zones, instant labour qualification verification checked credentials automatically, reducing unauthorized access incidents by 85%. Meanwhile, quick equipment checks & inspections streamlined machinery verification, cutting down equipment failure rates by 60% and minimizing downtime. With intuitive compliance tracking and exclusive audit trails, every permit action was digitally logged, reducing compliance reporting efforts by 40% and improving overall safety adherence. AI-driven Digital Permit Systems are not just expediting processes—they're setting new benchmarks for efficiency, productivity, and workplace safety. The Future of Worksite Safety in the Middle East With increasing regulatory demands in the Middle East, digital PTW solutions are becoming an industry standard rather than an option. AI-driven permit systems enable businesses to: ✔ Reduce compliance risks & penalties✔ Improve efficiency & reduce project delays ✔ Minimize human error & prevent accidents By integrating AI with PTW processes, companies can shift from reactive safety measures to proactive risk mitigation.
