The software uses distortions in the Wi-Fi energy signals in the household to develop Wi-Fi fingerprints that enable the software to detect movement and presence and can also recognize people and activities. Something very useful for security and wellness applications
 

Aerial Technologies Inc, a Montreal-based artificial intelligence company, announced today that it has concluded a CA$2.25 million convertible note financing co-led by Fonds Innovexport and successful entrepreneur and investor Jean-François Grenon. Strategic investors include Kibo Ventures, a Spanish-based VC firm which has Grupo Telefónica as one of the main investors in the fund and Wayra, part of Telefónica Open Future_ network, and Quebecor Group, a leading Canadian integrated communications company. Angel investors affiliated to TandemLaunch, the Montreal-based incubator that initially backed and incubated Aerial, also joined the round.

“We are delighted to be working with such a select group of investors and we believe that their interest validates the immense potential of Aerial’s novel approach to motion detection for the Wi-Fi home, said David Grant, CEO of Aerial Technologies. With their support, we are now well positioned to accelerate the commercialization of our motion interface with some of the most important telecommunication companies in the world.”

Videotron sees a vast potential for Aerial's technology as it opens the door to a multitude of promising services and applications for both our residential and business customers. We are also looking to test different opportunities in our Open-air Laboratory for Smart Living.

“Aerial has a very strong team supported by TandemLaunch, a world-class incubator. Considering the traction they already have in the market, we believe they will be successful. Innovexport definitely made that investment with the objective to participate in future rounds to foster Aerial’s growth,” added Serge Lavergne, Vice-President Investment.   

Founded in 2015, Aerial is a software company that uses existing Wi-Fi signals, and cloud-based machine learning AI to detect presence and motion. As people, pets and in-organic objects move in the mess of Wi-Fi signals already in your home or office, they distort and disrupt these Wi-Fi signals in predictable ways. Aerial processes these distortions to add context and meaning to motion allowing the recognition of presence, motion, activity and identity. Aerial software can be embedded in virtually any Wi-Fi network equipment or device and does not require wearables or other sensors to work. Aerial’s technology was conceived by Michael Allegue, CTO, based on IP that originated at McGill University, Rutgers University and Steven´s Institute of Technology.

Early Smart Motion applications provided through our business partners will include Presence Awareness and Motion Detection, Home Intrusion Detection, Smart HVAC energy optimization, healthcare and elderly care monitory services, and intelligent motion awareness for a variety of smart home devices that improve the convenience and quality of life for consumers.

Aerial’s technology, already in pilot with several large Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Multi Service Operators (MSOs), will be deployed into existing equipment offered through these service providers.