Join us in this exciting episode of the Slice of Construction podcast, hosted by Jared S. Taylor! Our Guest: Jeevan Kalanithi, CEO at OpenSpace.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• Jeevan Kalanithi’s Journey – From AI research at Stanford to leading OpenSpace in construction tech.

• OpenSpace’s Vision – Simplifying construction with AI-powered reality capture.

• Impact of 360-Degree Cameras – How visual documentation enhances efficiency and decision-making.

• Reducing Construction Risk – Using AI for insurance, payment approvals, and project transparency.

• The Future of Spatial AI – How OpenSpace is leveraging AI to further transform the industry.

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The Journey to OpenSpace

Jeevan Kalanithi’s path to becoming CEO of OpenSpace is a fascinating one, rooted in a lifelong passion for artificial intelligence. After studying AI and philosophy at Stanford, Jeevan went on to co-found a hardware startup that was later acquired by 3D Robotics. This experience introduced him to the world of construction, where he saw firsthand the challenges builders faced in tracking progress and managing workflows efficiently.

It wasn’t until a call from his now-cofounder, Mike, that the idea for OpenSpace truly took shape. Mike had been exploring the potential of 360-degree cameras, and Jeevan immediately recognized the transformative impact they could have on the construction industry. The duo set out to create a tool that would streamline how buildings are constructed, and OpenSpace was born.

How OpenSpace Works

At its core, OpenSpace leverages AI and 360-degree cameras to provide an always-up-to-date visual record of a construction site. A simple job walk—where a team member straps a camera onto their hard hat and moves through the site—automatically creates a detailed, Google Street View-like map of the space. This technology enables builders to:

• Track progress effortlessly without manual photo documentation.

• Reduce disputes by providing visual proof of completed work.

• Improve collaboration among stakeholders by offering real-time project visibility.

With over 40 billion square feet of construction site data captured, OpenSpace has become an indispensable tool for builders worldwide.

The Power of AI in Construction

The real game-changer behind OpenSpace is its ability to apply AI to visual data. Unlike traditional AI applications that focus on text, OpenSpace pioneers spatial AI, which understands and analyzes real-world environments. This allows the software to:

• Identify and categorize objects within images automatically.

• Compare progress over time to detect potential issues early.

• Provide insights that help teams make smarter, faster decisions.

AI-powered construction technology isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about reducing risk. For instance, OpenSpace has partnered with Shepherd Insurance, which offers significant discounts to builders who use OpenSpace because of its ability to provide verifiable, real-time project data. This kind of integration is proof that AI can directly increase profitability by streamlining payment approvals and simplifying insurance claims.

What’s Next for OpenSpace?

Jeevan is particularly excited about expanding OpenSpace’s capabilities beyond 360-degree cameras. The company is working on enhancing mobile capture technology, allowing teams to collect even richer data through smartphones. Additionally, OpenSpace is diving deeper into spatial AI, further refining how the software interprets and utilizes imagery for smarter construction insights.

Ultimately, OpenSpace is driven by a mission to make construction easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable. With AI-driven solutions and a focus on practical ROI, the company is not just digitizing construction workflows—it’s revolutionizing the way the world builds.

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