InnovateGPT backs SpatialGPT with $5.1 million

InnovateGPT, an AI venture studio led by former Microsoft executives, invested A$5.1 million in SpatialGPT.



SpatialGPT aims to revolutionize spatial environments (construction, education, healthcare, retail) with generative AI.




InnovateGPT Group, an AI venture studio led by former Microsoft executives, invested A$5.1 million in SpatialGPT, a new company aiming to revolutionise spatial environments with generative AI.  



SpatialGPT leverages AI tools from Microsoft and Apple to create solutions for construction, education, healthcare, and retail. Their initial focus is on the billion-dollar construction industry, offering AI-powered tools to optimize workflows and improve efficiency.



InnovateGPT CEO George Stavrakakis and CTO Rupert Walsh bring over 40 years of executive experience from Microsoft in Australia.



George Stavrakakis held various leadership roles across Education, Government, and the partner ecosystem, including being part of Microsoft Australia’s senior leadership team. Rupert Walsh served as one of Microsoft’s global CTOs in AI.



In its first year, InnovateGPT incubated and launched 13 AI startups, including SkillsGPT and RedGridGPT, investing over $15 million across the portfolio.



Robert Marolda’s appointment as CEO of SpatialGPT leverages his 9+ years at Microsoft, especially in Modern Work and Security, where he played a key role in launching Microsoft’s E5 Security in Australia. His recent role as Director of Corporate & Commercial Sales at VMware further underscores his strong leadership, positioning SpatialGPT for future growth.



SpatialGPT is developing AI-powered solutions using Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, Microsoft Copilot, Apple Vision Pro, JigSpace, and other technologies to transform how spaces are constructed, managed, and utilized. These solutions aim to boost operational efficiency by enhancing precision, minimizing delays, and optimizing costs. Features will include virtual reality walkthroughs for early design decisions, real-time progress tracking with automated reporting, and advanced data collection for risk mitigation and insurance claims.



Initially, SpatialGPT will focus on billion-dollar projects in the construction industry, offering AI-powered copilot solutions to optimize workflows. It plans to expand into education, healthcare, and retail, reimagining spatial environments in these critical sectors.



The construction industry, which accounts for around 10% of Australia’s GDP, has faced productivity and efficiency challenges, with productivity declining by 1.5% annually over the past two decades. 



Stavrakakis and Walsh believe their combined decades of technology engineering experience, including leading AI innovation at Microsoft, will help SpatialGPT unlock billion-dollar opportunities in several industries.



George Stavrakakis, CEO at InnovateGPT, said: “Our decision to focus first on the construction sector stems from recognising its pivotal role in the economy and the substantial potential for positive change within this key area. It’s clear that this sector not only plays a crucial role in our economy but also presents a ripe landscape for innovative advancements. With its wide-ranging applicability, SpatialGPT is set to revolutionise the construction industry and bring significant value to various sectors. Over the next 12 months, we aim to expand our market presence and deepen our engagement across industries.”



Robert Marolda, CEO at SpatialGPT, said: “The launch of SpatialGPT, underscored by strategic collaborations and financial backing, signals a new era in redefining spatial environments in Australia. With a clear focus on innovation, partnership, and technological excellence, SpatialGPT is poised to lead transformational changes across multiple industries.”



Matt Furse, Sofware-as-a-Service Partnership Lead at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, said: “We’re very excited to partner with SpatialGPT to help the construction industry and other critical sectors realise the significant potential of generative AI. By using our technologies, such as Azure OpenAI Service and Copilot, this collaboration will enable advancements in spatial environments that were once considered beyond reach.”



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