Conservation Labs

About 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.