Conservation Labs

Conservation Labs, founded in 2016 by Mark Kovscek, operates at the intersection of artificial intelligence and environmental sustainability. Kovscek, a mathematician and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in data science, was inspired to start the company after experiencing a costly water leak in his own home. This personal event, coupled with his extensive background in analytics for major brands, led him to develop a more accessible and affordable solution for monitoring water usage.

The Pittsburgh-based company has developed an edge-to-cloud AI platform that decodes audio data to provide actionable insights for the built environment. Its business model centers on selling its sensor-based products and providing data-driven services to commercial, multifamily residential, and restaurant clients. The company generates revenue through the sale of its hardware and likely through subscription-based access to the data analytics and insights provided by its platform.

Conservation Labs offers two core products: H2know™ and Sustainable Machines™. H2know™ is a smart water monitoring system designed to reduce water consumption and prevent damage from leaks. Its key feature is a non-invasive sensor that simply attaches to a water pipe without the need for a plumber. Using machine learning, the sensor listens to the acoustic signatures of water flowing through the pipes, allowing it to identify specific fixtures, estimate water flow, and detect leaks in real-time. This data is then translated into insights, leak alerts, and conservation recommendations delivered through a mobile app. The company claims H2know™ can help users save 20% on water use and related expenses.

The second product, Sustainable Machines™, extends the company's audio-based AI technology to predictive maintenance. By analyzing a machine's sound profile, this platform delivers operational insights and predicts potential malfunctions, which helps to reduce maintenance costs and extend the equipment's lifespan. Early adopters have reported a return on investment of over 100%. The company has secured significant funding, including a $1.7 million seed round in 2019 and a $7.5 million Series A round in February 2024, led by RET Ventures' Housing Impact Fund. These investments are aimed at accelerating product development and expanding market reach.

Keywords: water monitoring, leak detection, predictive maintenance, machine learning, AI platform, smart sensor, water conservation, acoustic sensing, property technology, building efficiency, resource management, IoT, sustainable technology, facility management, real estate tech, energy reduction, carbon emissions reduction, equipment monitoring, operational insights, commercial buildings, multifamily properties