Innovative strength through research - 30 groundbreaking ideas for the future

Belimo and Invenum: Innovation in the HVAC industry

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Innovative strength through research - 30 groundbreaking ideas for the future

22/2/2024

Belimo: Innovative through Invenum's Technology Scouting

Belimo Holding AG: A pioneer in the HVAC industry

Swiss-based Belimo Holding AG specializes in the development and manufacture of HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) products and systems. As a leading company in this industry, Belimo faces numerous innovation and technology challenges in order to remain competitive and meet the constantly changing requirements of its customers. A key challenge lies in the continuous innovation and improvement of its own products and services.

As the HVAC industry is subject to constant change, Belimo must be able to develop new and innovative solutions to stay ahead of the competition. This requires ongoing investment in research and development as well as a deep understanding of customer needs and emerging trends. To stay competitive in an ever-evolving industry, Belimo turned to Invenum for technology scouting. Together, innovation, artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data analytics opened up five new areas of research and future potential that can help Belimo establish itself as an innovator in the HVAC industry.

1. initial situation

2. challenges: Digitalization, sustainability and environmental responsibility

3. Invenum's solution approach: Big Data Analytics and Technology Scouting

4. summary and outlook

1. initial situation

Belimo Holding AG, based in Switzerland, is a pioneer in the development and production of HVAC systems and products. In an environment characterized by continuous change and growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions, the company faces diverse challenges and opportunities. A BCG publication from 2023, highlights the significant growth potential of the industry and what opportunities exist within the green economy.

The need to constantly innovate and develop sustainable solutions is a core challenge for Belimo. The aim is not only to meet current customer requirements, but also to respond anticipatorily to future developments and trends. This requires sustainable investments and a sound understanding of market needs as well as emerging technologies.

In light of the dynamic developments in the HVAC industry and the increasing importance of digitalization and sustainability, Belimo sought the expertise of Invenum. Through the use of specialized technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics, new fields of innovation and potential were jointly identified. Through Invenum's precise analysis and insights, Belimo became aware of how the company can strategically align its R&D investments in order to make the most of future opportunities as an innovation leader in the HVAC industry.

The HVAC industry is subject to constant change and a high need for innovation.

2. challenges: Digitalization, sustainability and environmental responsibility

To remain competitive in the dynamic HVAC industry and meet the constantly evolving needs of its customers, Belimo faces the challenge of continuously developing innovative solutions and improving existing products and services. This requires ongoing investment in research and development as well as a deep understanding of customer needs and emerging trends.

The Deloitte publication highlights that the effective use of digital technologies is another key challenge. Investments in automation, digitization and the Internet of Things (IoT) are essential to increase efficiency and productivity and to be in line with identified trends in the engineering and construction industry. But this digital transformation goes hand in hand with significant investments in technology and expertise.

In a time of increasing ecological concerns, sustainability is also a significant challenge. Belimo needs to develop environmentally and economically sustainable products and processes. The importance of green technologies and sustainability emphasized in the Deloitte publication underlines the need for accurate R&D investments.

In addition to innovation, human capital remains an important success factor.

In addition, Belimo must be able to attract and retain top talent in areas such as engineering, software development and data analytics, and provide continuous training and development opportunities. In this context, Accenture's report 'Refocus your talent lens' provides insightful insights on how multinational companies can tap into the potential of different labor markets to access the talent they need, especially as much of the highly skilled workforce lives outside the Global North.

Faced with multiple challenges - from continuous innovation and effective use of digital technologies to attracting and retaining top talent and addressing sustainability and environmental responsibility issues - Belimo faces a complex task that requires a clear and forward-looking strategy. Working with Invenum has proven to be a crucial step in meeting these challenges.

By combining Belimo's industry knowledge with Invenum's expertise in technology scouting and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data Analytics, a precise, data-driven innovation strategy could be developed. This partnership enables Belimo to respond not only to current but also future market demands by providing targeted insights into future technology potential and innovation opportunities. This ensures that R&D investments are optimally allocated and Belimo can continue to maintain its position as an innovation leader in the dynamic HVAC industry.

3. Invenum's solution approach: Big Data and AI-driven technology scouting.

Invenum worked with Belimo to address this challenge by conducting a comprehensive Big Data analysis of 17,432 mobility-related patents and 16,553 scientific publications on Belimo's key competencies. The five key research areas identified are:

  • Innovations in thermal comfort in buildings
  • Positioning and object tracking algorithms for mobility
  • Development of intelligent energy saving systems in buildings
  • Revolutionary approaches to intelligent air conditioning systems
  • Advanced technologies for object recognition and identification
Invenum: We develop innovations.

By working with Invenum, Belimo was able to identify those five topics that are currently receiving the most attention in research. As a consequence, this led to 30 new ideas for products and services with a focus on sensor solutions, network solutions and algorithm solutions.

These valuable insights from Big Data analysis form a solid basis for Belimo's innovation journey and highlight key areas that show significant future potential and growth opportunities. Here, R&D investments are particularly promising for Belimo to achieve innovative breakthroughs. With the insights gained from Invenum Technology Scouting, Belimo is well positioned to address future challenges with clear, data-driven decisions and actively shape the future of the industry.

With us, you can make Big Data-driven, targeted investment decisions.

4. summary and outlook

Belimo Holding AG, a leading Swiss company in the HVAC industry, is facing numerous challenges, particularly in the areas of innovation, digitalization, sustainability and globalization. The BCG study on the 'golden opportunity' of the green economy for manufacturing companies and the PwC report on the opportunities and risks of climate change emphasize the importance of innovation in the HVAC industry. Thanks to Invenum's Technology Scouting, Belimo optimized its innovation strategy using Big Data. Invenum's AI engine and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data analytics opened up new research fields and potential. This partnership has resulted in a data-driven, targeted innovation strategy that enables Belimo to respond to current and future market requirements and to invest its R&D budget optimally.

With Invenum as a key partner at its side, Belimo looks to the future with confidence. The insights gained and the innovative solutions developed position Belimo as a pioneer in the constantly evolving HVAC industry. The collaboration has not only resulted in 30 new product and service ideas, but has also created the basis for ongoing adaptation to market changes and meeting global competitive challenges.

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Customer Benefits

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Innovative insights from Big Data analysis of 17,432 patents and 16,553 publications.

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Derive 30 breakthrough ideas for innovative products and services.

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Present 5 promising research areas for targeted R&D investment.

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Clear focus for Belimo's innovation strategy: solutions for sensors, networks and algorithms.

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