Vince Molinari welcomes Srinivas Pai, the Co-Founder and CEO of PaceRobotics, a pioneering construction robotics startup based in Bangalore, India. The conversation centers around the innovative solutions that Pace Robotics is introducing to the construction industry, particularly during the building finishes phase, which includes tasks such as wall, floor, and ceiling finishing.

Srinivas provides an overview of how PaceRobotics designs, develops, and manufactures robots that can perform these finishing tasks at a remarkable speed—up to ten times faster than human workers. He explains that this efficiency leads to an 80% reduction in labor requirements. For instance, where 12 workers were previously needed to complete 50,000 square feet of work in a month, only two workers are now necessary. This shift results in a threefold decrease in costs in India and has the potential to reduce costs by up to five times in regions with higher labor costs, such as Saudi Arabia.

Vince and Srinivas discuss the critical need for robotics in construction, emphasizing that cost savings are just one aspect of the equation. Srinivas highlights the current labor shortage in the industry and the challenge of attracting younger generations to physically demanding jobs. He articulates a vision for making construction a safer and more appealing work environment while also enhancing predictability in project timelines and costs.

The discussion delves into the efficiency gains brought by robotics, with Srinivas noting that their robots can complete approximately 2,000 square feet of work in a day, compared to the 200 square feet that a traditional team can manage. He addresses the scalability of their technology, indicating that the Indian and Middle Eastern markets present significant opportunities, with an estimated need for 20,000 robots in these regions, a number that could double in the coming years.

Srinivas also shares how PaceRobotics has validated its business model through extensive trials and partnerships with seven of the largest real estate companies in India. With over 100,000 square feet of internal trials and 30,000 square feet of pilot projects completed, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, confirming that their robots are five to seven times faster than manual labor and meet high-quality standards.

As the segment concludes, Srinivas offers his insights on the Saudi and broader Middle Eastern markets, highlighting the rapid growth and development in the region. He points out that labor costs in these markets are significantly higher than in India, which enhances the value proposition of their robotic solutions. Srinivas expresses confidence that achieving the ambitious construction goals in Saudi Arabia will be challenging without the integration of robotics.

Vince Molinari welcomes Yazeed Alghamdi, the Director of Emerging Technologies at Roshn Group, during the bustling Cityscape Global event at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Saudi Arabia. The conference, which brings together global leaders from the real estate industry, serves as a backdrop for an engaging discussion about innovation and transformation in the sector.

Yazeed begins by providing an overview of Roshn Group, a key player in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 housing program. He highlights the company’s ambitious goal of constructing over 400,000 housing units in the coming years, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the region.

The conversation shifts to the PropTech Hackathon, an initiative founded by Yazeed and his team, which aims to foster innovation within the real estate industry. This year marks the third iteration of the hackathon, attracting over 150 participants competing for a prize of 1.3 million Saudi Riyals. Yazeed shares insights into the impressive turnout and the wealth of ideas generated.

Vince and Yazeed then discuss Roshn’s digital sales journey, which has transformed the traditional home-buying process into a hybrid and digital experience. Since launching their platform at the end of 2023, Roshn has sold over 3,400 units and generated more than 7 billion SAR in sales. Yazeed explains how the platform not only facilitates online purchases but also fosters a sense of community among residents.

The discussion delves into the features of Roshn’s app, described as a “super app.” Yazeed outlines its various components, including access to local amenities, sustainability initiatives powered by AI, and gamification elements designed to encourage community engagement and healthy living.

As the segment concludes, Yazeed shares his vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of integrating ideas from the hackathon into real-world applications. He recounts a success story of a previous hackathon winner whose idea has evolved into a $20 million company, showcasing the potential for innovation in the real estate sector.

Vince Molinari welcomes Paolo Sabatini, the Co-Founder and CEO of DMAT, a pioneering concrete technology company. The discussion centers around DMAT’s innovative approach to making concrete a more sustainable and durable material, addressing significant environmental concerns associated with traditional concrete production.

Paolo begins by providing context on the scale of concrete usage worldwide, noting that 33 billion tons are produced annually, which represents 1% of the global GDP. He highlights the environmental impact of concrete, specifically its contribution to 8% of global CO2 emissions. This sets the stage for DMAT’s mission to enhance the sustainability of concrete, which is a fundamental material in modern society.

The conversation shifts to the specifics of DMAT’s technology. Paolo explains that cement, the primary ingredient in concrete, is essential for strength and longevity. DMAT’s innovation lies in its ability to reduce the amount of cement used without compromising performance. By incorporating a proprietary mineral filler, DMAT optimizes concrete’s composition, leading to improved durability. Paolo emphasizes that their concrete can react with water to prevent cracks, a common issue that leads to costly repairs. The goal is to create concrete that can last for centuries, significantly reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact.

Vince and Paolo discuss the concept of deep technology, which DMAT exemplifies as it seeks to innovate within the traditional construction industry. Paolo elaborates on the challenges of integrating new technologies into established processes, particularly the importance of certification and consistency in their products. He shares that DMAT is currently operational in Europe and is preparing to expand into the U.S. market, with additional opportunities in Saudi Arabia and Dubai.

As the episode progresses, Paolo explains his presence at Cityscape Global 2025 in Riyadh. He underscores the importance of understanding new markets and cultures, especially in the construction sector, where collaboration across the supply chain is crucial. Building relationships with key decision-makers is essential for the successful launch of DMAT’s technology in new regions.