Jesus Arias explains how the KNX Startup Incubator has helped new ventures take their first steps into IoT-driven solutions and is now entering a new chapter in building an AI-centric ecosystem.
In Greek mythology, Prometheus brought fire to mankind. This greatly infuriated the god Zeus, who was outraged by mortals having so much power at their fingertips, as fire symbolised knowledge, technology, and power. Zeus took revenge by plunging humanity into cold and darkness, sending Pandora and her jar of evils, and condemning Prometheus to eternal torment.
As in the Greek myth, it seems that any great technology comes at a price; there are always two sides to the coin. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of those paradigm-shifting technologies, much like electricity or agriculture, that is propelling our technology-centric civilisation into uncharted territory. Avoiding it is not an option; instead, a strategic approach should help individuals, organisations, communities, and societies harness this new power.
Fostering new initiatives
AI is not new, it’s just that its implementations are now reaching new levels that are making a significant impact. We have been working on AI since the 1950s, when the first glimpses of artificial intelligence were described by John McCarthy, who is widely credited with coining the term Artificial Intelligence in 1956.
As the global home and building automation industry continues to evolve, so too must the ecosystem that supports its innovation. At KNX, we’ve long recognised the value of fostering early-stage companies that bring fresh energy and disruptive thinking to the market. With the KNX Startup Incubator, we’ve helped new ventures take their first steps, particularly those focused on IoT-driven solutions that connect, control, and optimise smart homes and buildings. Now, we are entering a new chapter.
A natural evolution – from connected to cognitive
Over the past few years, the IoT has matured. Devices and applications are no longer just connected: they’re expected to be context-aware, autonomous, and predictive. This shift is driven by AI, which relies on IoT infrastructure – the bridge between the physical and digital worlds – as the backbone of next-generation home and building automation.
In response, KNX is evolving its Startup Incubator to support AI-native startups, those who are not just adding AI features to existing products, but building their solutions around AI from the ground up. We believe this is where the next wave of value will come from.
From energy management platforms that optimise consumption based on behavioural patterns, to voice-controlled building interfaces that adapt to user preferences, and predictive maintenance systems that detect equipment failures before they happen, AI is enabling truly intelligent environments that go beyond simple automation.
Building an AI-centric ecosystem
The updated KNX Startup Incubator will continue to offer the hands-on mentorship, technical guidance, and ecosystem access that have always defined the programme. What’s changing is the focus:
• We’re targeting startups working on machine learning, natural language processing, and other AI disciplines applied to smart buildings and homes.
• We’re initiating collaborations with research institutions focused on AI to scout emerging technologies early.
• We’re expanding our partner network to include AI-focused corporate partners, ensuring startups receive the best support and market reach they need.
Beyond technology – a mindset shift
This pivot is not just about adopting new tools, it’s about embracing a fundamentally different approach. AI solutions demand iterative development, access to large datasets, and a robust ethical framework for data handling. To support this shift, we’re adapting our incubator model to help startups address the real-world challenges of AI integration, including:
• Promoting model explainability and transparency, with an emphasis on open-source approaches.
• Leveraging semantic models to accelerate the development of AI-based solutions.
By preparing our startups for these challenges, we aim to ensure their innovations are not only cutting-edge but also scalable, sustainable, and trusted.
The future is now
The KNX ecosystem has always thrived by staying ahead of the curve. With this evolution of the Startup Incubator, we’re signalling our commitment to shaping the future, not just of home and building automation, but of intelligent living itself.
We invite AI-driven startups with a passion for transforming the built environment to join us in this journey. Together, we’ll move from connected to cognitive, from smart to truly intelligent.
If you would like to learn more about KNX and AI, don’t miss the upcoming KNX Startup Summit!
Jesus Arias is responsible for Members & Startups / Business Development at KNX Association
