Accelerating the energy transition with 3D automated planning

Gilytics started in Zurich in 2017 after winning the Elia Innovation Challenge, Venture Kick and Venture Leaders support. Their vision is to become the standard software solution for the planning of linear infrastructure through smarter planning processes. Gilytics provide fast computing and 3D visualisation technology for complex planning of transportation and energy infrastructure. They strive to improve the stakeholder engagement and social acceptance between public authorities and local communities involved in a project using also Augmented Reality on mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) and help companies to better quantify costs.

Efficiently planning complex energy projects with various stakeholders

Gilytics’ software solution helps solve this problem by speeding up the ideal routing of overhead or underground power lines and cables. This makes siting, environmental impact studies, stakeholder consultation, reporting, and permitting processes faster and easier. Using the tools means new routes can be created in seconds instead of months which can mean significant cost savings.

The cloud solution with its unique automated 3D visualisation platform optimises planning time, lowers project costs, and improves data collection and data analysis, while reducing environmental impact and project delays. GIS, satellite, and spatial data can easily be uploaded onto the platform. Once the data is uploaded, the customised algorithm generates multiple pathways and analytics to estimate costs and environmental (or other) customer-specific parameters. The results can be exported into different formats for reporting.

Complex projects visualized for a broad variety of customers

The solution is based on ETH research and field experience with Swiss corporations such as Swissgrid, SBB, and Axpo, in addition to a growing number of international clients. The software can be used efficiently by non-experts in the public authority, engineering, utility, or transport company sectors, to better communicate and quantify projects. Other possible applications include construction monitoring and asset management.

Gilytics are continually growing their customer base in Europe by working with leading European Electricity Transmission System Operator (TSO) TenneT, and other utility companies. They are also expanding into the Americas where infrastructure investments are growing.

The team

Gilytics’ 7-person team brings together energy-market enthusiasts and experts, including an ETH PhD in GIS, an MBA with energy sales and marketing experience, a finance and accounting expert as well as strong developers with international, technical, commercial, industry, and operational experience.

The team is focusing on the utilities with a possibility to expand into engineering and construction, oil and gas, and transportation segments to grow with a worldwide investment of CHF 1 trillion in power lines and the global increase of other infrastructure investments, there is strong growth potential.

Looking ahead

Building on the support from the ESA BIC Switzerland and the EU Horizon 2020 Phase 1 Programme, Gilytics are securing grants to support their IP, research, and sales and marketing activities. In Q2 2020, they will be seeking investors who can help them to accelerate the energy transition.