iris: Sustainable Solutions for Smarter Cities 

As urban development accelerates, the demand for efficient, cost-effective infrastructure monitoring grows. Enter iris —a transformative player in the smart cities landscape, co-founded by Emil Sylvester Ramos and David Keaney, and supported by the resources and collaborative environment at TechPlace. iris has crafted an AI-powered solution that balances traditional, time-intensive data collection with high-cost sensor technology, empowering governments and organizations to make informed decisions that keep communities safe and infrastructure optimized.  

Key Sections 

1. Bridging the Gap in Infrastructure Monitoring 
2. Building a Customer-Centric Solution from the Start  
3. Recognition on a Global Stage 
4. TechPlace: A Catalyst for Innovation and Growth  
5. Driving Sustainability and Global Impact 
6. Scaling for a Smarter, Sustainable Future 

Bridging the Gap in Infrastructure Monitoring 

David and Emil recognized a critical need in infrastructure monitoring: traditional methods were slow and labour-intensive, and existing technology solutions came with high price tags. Determined to bridge this gap, they developed irisGO, an innovative Internet of Things (IoT) dashcam that captures and processes real-time data on road conditions. With built-in privacy safeguards like automatic blurring of faces and license plates, irisGO ensures data remains relevant and secure. 

This data flows seamlessly into irisCITY, a centralized platform where municipalities can visualize infrastructure needs at a glance. Through irisCITY, officials can easily pinpoint problem areas, monitor infrastructure health, and track fleet routes—all within a user-friendly interface. “We’re committed to helping cities save time, reduce costs, and enhance public safety,” shares Emil Sylvester Ramos, CEO of iris. This streamlined approach allows municipalities to make proactive, data-driven decisions, optimizing both public safety and operational efficiency. 
 

Building a Customer-Centric Solution from the Start 

Collaboration has been at the heart of iris’s journey. Before their product was fully developed, iris attracted its first clients—a testament to the value of their solution. By working closely with adopters, iris tailored its platform to fit real-world needs, ultimately creating a product that integrates seamlessly with downstream workflows of municipal teams. This customer-focused approach has been instrumental in their growth, enabling iris to refine their technology as they address evolving client demands.  

Recognition on a Global Stage 

Today, iris’s impact extends far beyond Canada, with teams spanning from Canada to Spain, Panama and the Philippines. Their commitment to advancing global infrastructure aligns with the G20’s Infrastructure Working Group sustainability mandates, making iris the only Canadian company recognized in this domain—a milestone that underscores their role as a trailblazer in sustainable mobility and road safety worldwide. This international recognition highlights iris’s leadership and strengthens their commitment to reducing our environmental impact on a global scale. 

TechPlace: A Catalyst for Innovation and Growth

Since joining TechPlace, iris has leveraged a range of resources to fuel its growth, from value proposition workshops to high-impact networking opportunities. TechPlace’s living lab initiative allowed iris to successfully pilot its technology with the Town of Orangeville, where smart technology was introduced to enhance the maintenance and management of open spaces. This pilot demonstrated the practical benefits of iris’s solution in streamlining data collection for infrastructure monitoring and showcased the adaptability of IRIS’s technology—laying a strong foundation for expanding their client base across municipalities. 

Reflecting on the journey, David Keaney, CAO of iris, notes that “TechPlace has given us the support we need to refine our technology and expand our network with key stakeholders." The strategic location and collaborative environment at TechPlace offered iris a unique ecosystem for growth, where they could test, adapt and meet the diverse needs of evolving markets. 

Driving Sustainability and Global Impact 

Sustainability is an important factor in iris’s mission, and their efforts to reduce our impact on the environment have earned them recognition on an international scale. By reducing the need for frequent vehicle deployments, iris technology cuts patrol times from five hours to just two, leading to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Research from McMaster University’s Engineering Department has modeled iris’s potential for GHG reduction, highlighting the positive environmental effects of their technology. 

As the only Canadian company aligned with the G20’s infrastructure sustainability mandates, iris has set a benchmark in sustainable mobility and road safety worldwide. This international recognition underscores iris’s leadership in advancing innovative solutions for infrastructure monitoring, driving positive change across Canadian and international markets. 

Scaling for a Smarter, Sustainable Future 

iris’s ambitions extend beyond roadways and municipal infrastructure. The team is already exploring ways to support sectors such as airports, mining, and marine infrastructure, where predictive maintenance and real-time insights are equally essential. Looking ahead, iris envisions expanding its AI-driven solutions to emerging economies, bringing the benefits of data-driven decision-making to communities worldwide. In regions like the Philippines, where inadequate road maintenance and poor mobility leads to billions in economic losses each day, iris aims to reduce these economic setbacks, improve operational efficiency, and enhance road safety—helping emerging economies meet critical infrastructure needs. 

With their cutting-edge technology, a focus on sustainability, and a clear global vision, iris is transforming infrastructure management and helping cities and organizations worldwide make smarter, more sustainable choices for generations to come.