Illuminex AI
Illuminex AI builds AI-powered sensor fusion platforms that mount on airfield vehicles to detect foreign object debris, perimeter breaches, snowbank violations, and surface conditions in real time, selling subscription-based SaaS to airports of all sizes across North America and internationally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2022
- HeadquartersWaterloo, Canada
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Illuminex AI does
Illuminex AI (legal entity Impact AI Inc.) is an Ontario, Canada-based technology company founded circa 2022 that builds AI-powered sensor fusion systems for airfield inspection and operational intelligence. Its core product, the InspectEx platform, is an edge-to-cloud hardware-and-software system that mounts on existing airfield vehicles or fixed infrastructure and combines high-resolution cameras, stereo vision, LiDAR, GPS, and IMU sensors with NVIDIA Jetson edge computing to capture, process, and geolocate operational data in real time. On top of this platform the company offers a suite of AI modules including FOD AI (foreign object debris detection with sub-1mm sensitivity), PIDS AI (perimeter intrusion detection), SnowPro AI (snowbank profiling for regulatory compliance), EdgeGuard (in-cab situational awareness for maintenance vehicles), and an Unreal Engine-based Airside Driver Training Simulator, with Surface AI and Marking AI in development.
The company sells through subscription-based SaaS contracts with no upfront capital expenditure, supplemented by hardware sales (the InspectEx edge device) and AI consulting services. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales (Request A Demo and 60 Day Pilot programs), a free FOD AI Beta Program, two reseller partners (Fortbrand Services and 1200 Aero), AWS Marketplace listing, and cooperative purchasing programs for government procurement. Primary customers are airports of all sizes, ranging from general aviation fields (Morristown Municipal, Cambridge Bay) through commercial hubs (Savannah/Hilton Head) to large international gateways (Toronto Pearson via GTAA). Strategic partners include Honda, Cisco, NVIDIA, IBM, Genwave Technologies, OVIN/Government of Ontario, and GTAA, with the latter providing both a deployment site and in-kind contributions to a $2.94 million OVIN-funded co-development project.
Revenue is not disclosed, headcount is 1-10, and the commercial base remains largely in beta or pilot stage as of late 2025. The company is a Creative Destruction Lab graduate and has secured a single confirmed external capital infusion of $981,086 CAD in non-dilutive government grant funding. The product portfolio is grounded in a defensible data advantage built from synthetic 3D airfield models and a virtuous cycle of real-world deployments, but absolute scale remains the primary execution risk.
Illuminex AI firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Illuminex AI
- Legal name
- Impact AI Inc.
- Website
- https://illuminex.ai
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2022
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Illuminex AI builds AI-powered sensor fusion platforms that mount on airfield vehicles to detect foreign object debris, perimeter breaches, snowbank violations, and surface conditions in real time, selling subscription-based SaaS to airports of all sizes across North America and internationally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Illuminex AI industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Airfield Inspection Software
- NAICS
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Video Telematics, ADAS & AI Dashcams (TLAEAFAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Video Analytics & AI Security Solutions Integration (LPR, Facial, Behavior) (BPAKAGAK), Domain-Specific Training Data Solutions (e.g., medical, AV, geospatial) (HDAAALAL)
Keywords
Where Illuminex AI is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Waterloo
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Illuminex AI business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Operations
Revenue model
- SaaS Subscription: FOD AI and other solutions offered as subscription-based SaaS with no upfront CAPEX, scalable for airports of all sizes. Both Standard and Premium tiers available for FOD AI.
- Hardware Component: Edge computing hardware (InspectEx Blue Box) and sensor installations. Can be installed in less than a day on existing inspection vehicles. Hardware available through resellers and AWS Marketplace.
- AI Consulting Services: Standard Consulting and Co-Development Model for tailored AI solutions. Standard Consulting: client retains full ownership. Co-Development: discounted services for shared commercialization.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Standard FOD AI tier - entry point for airports of any size |
| Subscription | Annual | Premium FOD AI tier - wider inspection widths and higher speeds |
| Subscription | Annual | EdgeGuard early access beta program |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Illuminex AI product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Illuminex AI builds the InspectEx edge-to-cloud platform that mounts on airfield vehicles to collect sensor fusion data (cameras, LiDAR, GPS, IMU) during routine operations. This platform powers a suite of AI modules including FOD AI (foreign object debris detection), PIDS AI (perimeter intrusion detection), SnowPro AI (snowbank profiling), EdgeGuard (vehicle situational awareness), and an Airside Driver Training Simulator, delivered as subscription SaaS with optional consulting services.
Product overview
Illuminex AI offers a unified platform-plus-modules architecture built around the InspectEx edge-to-cloud inspection platform. The core InspectEx system mounts on airfield vehicles to collect sensor fusion data (cameras, LiDAR, GPS, IMU) during routine operations, supporting a growing suite of AI-powered inspection modules. The product portfolio includes FOD AI for foreign object debris detection, PIDS AI for perimeter intrusion detection, SnowPro AI for snowbank measurement, EdgeGuard for situational awareness, and an Airside Driver Training Simulator. Surface AI and Marking AI are in development. All solutions follow a Human+AI philosophy with human-in-the-loop validation. Offered as subscription-based SaaS with no CAPEX, scalable for airports of all sizes.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- InspectEx: The core edge-to-cloud sensor fusion platform that collects digital operational data during routine airfield activities, supporting multiple AI-powered inspection applications.
- FOD AI
- PIDS AI
- SnowPro AI
- EdgeGuard
- Surface AI
- Marking AI
Products and services
- InspectEx Platform Edge-to-cloud sensor fusion platform that mounts on airfield vehicles to collect digital operational data during routine activities, featuring multi-sensor support, real-time edge processing, modular AI applications, and rapid deployment.
- FOD AI AI-powered foreign object debris detection system that identifies and logs debris across runways, taxiways, and aprons in real time during vehicle patrols, available in Standard (up to 50-foot inspection width at 25 mph) and Premium (up to 100-foot width at 50 mph) tiers.
- PIDS AI
Quantifiable outcome
- Detection capability down to 1mm objects (washers, bolts, small rocks, pavement fragments)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Illuminex AI
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Illuminex AI technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability9 records
Feature10 records
Illuminex AI partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and strategic.
- Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) / Ontario Centre of InnovationcoreStrategic collaboration with Government of Ontario through OVIN to expand InspectEx AI-powered inspection platform. $981,086 funding plus substantial in-kind contributions from GTAA totaling $2.94 Million project value for Surface AI and Marking AI development.
- Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA)coreCollaborating on OVIN project for airfield and road infrastructure inspection. GTAA provides in-kind contributions and real-world testing environment at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Quote from Todd Browne: exploring next-generation AI solutions.
- Fortbrand Services LLCcoreReseller partnership expanding Fortbrand Intelligence product line to advance airfield safety and security. Fortbrand provides airport maintenance and ground support solutions distribution through cooperative purchasing programs.
- 1200 AerominorReseller partner for airfield solutions.
- Genwave TechnologiesstrategicPartner in Honda autonomous airfield inspection vehicle demonstration at Toronto Airport. Part of proof-of-concept solution alongside Illuminex AI, Honda, and Cisco.
- CiscostrategicPartner in Honda autonomous airfield inspection vehicle demonstration. Technology integration for connected infrastructure.
- NvidiastrategicInnovation partner. Edge computing uses NVIDIA Jetson series. Company evaluated NVIDIA Omniverse but chose Unreal Engine for airfield-specific simulation needs.
- HondastrategicCollaboration on autonomous work vehicle (AWV) demonstration at Toronto Airport testing Illuminex AI's inspection capabilities in autonomous vehicle context.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Illuminex AI competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Xsight Systems: Israel-based provider of runway debris detection (RunWize) and surface condition monitoring systems deployed at major airports. Direct competitor to Illuminex AI's FOD AI, addressing the same airfield inspection use case with a different sensing approach (fixed sensors on runway edge lights).
- Tarsier (Moog Inc.): Moog's Tarsier product is a fixed-radar-based foreign object debris detection system used at commercial airports. Directly competes with Illuminex AI's FOD AI for the same customer segment and use case, differing primarily in fixed vs. mobile architecture.
- Stratech Systems (iFerret): Developer of the iFerret intelligent FOD detection system deployed at airports globally using electro-optical sensors. Directly comparable to Illuminex AI's vision-based FOD AI for foreign object debris on runways and taxiways.
- Pavemetrics (LCMS): Provider of LCMS laser crack measurement systems for automated runway and road pavement condition assessment. Closely comparable to Illuminex AI's emerging Surface AI product for asphalt and concrete condition analysis.
Broad incumbents
- ADB Safegate: Large incumbent supplying airfield lighting, gate guidance, A-SMGCS, and surface movement solutions to airports worldwide. Overlaps with Illuminex AI in airfield operational intelligence and perimeter/security surveillance, but as part of a much broader product portfolio.
- Vaisala: Global leader in airport weather observation, runway surface condition sensors, and winter operations decision support. Comparable to Illuminex AI on the SnowPro AI dimension (snowbank and surface condition measurement for winter ops compliance) and broader airfield environmental sensing.
- Saab (Saab Sensis): Saab's airfield surface surveillance and A-SMGCS systems (formerly Saab Sensis) provide runway and ground movement intelligence to major airports. Overlaps with Illuminex AI's perimeter intrusion and airfield situational awareness capabilities as part of a broader defense and aviation portfolio.
- Indra: Spanish IT and air traffic systems provider with significant airport operations solutions including surveillance, security, and airfield management. Comparable to Illuminex AI in perimeter intrusion detection (PIDS AI) and airfield intelligence for large airport operators.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Illuminex AI social profiles
Digital presenceIlluminex AI financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Illuminex AI leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Illuminex AI funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Illuminex AI M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Illuminex AI
What does Illuminex AI do?
Illuminex AI builds the InspectEx edge-to-cloud platform that mounts on airfield vehicles to collect sensor fusion data (cameras, LiDAR, GPS, IMU) during routine operations. This platform powers a suite of AI modules including FOD AI (foreign object debris detection), PIDS AI (perimeter intrusion detection), SnowPro AI (snowbank profiling), EdgeGuard (vehicle situational awareness), and an Airside Driver Training Simulator, delivered as subscription SaaS with optional consulting services.
Is Illuminex AI a public or private company?
Illuminex AI is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Illuminex AI founded?
Illuminex AI was founded in 2022. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Illuminex AI based?
Illuminex AI is headquartered in Waterloo, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Illuminex AI make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. SaaS Subscription is the primary driver. The others are hardware Component and AI Consulting Services.
Who are Illuminex AI's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Xsight Systems, Tarsier (Moog Inc.), Stratech Systems (iFerret) and Pavemetrics (LCMS). Broad incumbents are ADB Safegate, Vaisala, Saab (Saab Sensis) and Indra.
Does Illuminex AI have an API?
Yes. FODᵄᵐ provides API access to integrate with existing operational or reporting systems, giving airports flexibility to use the platform within their current software tools. The InspectEx Cloud platform enables API-based integration with existing asset management and maintenance systems for centralized data aggregation and analysis.
What industry is Illuminex AI in?
Illuminex AI's product category is Airfield Inspection Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAEAFAG, Video Telematics, ADAS & AI Dashcams, with a secondary code of BPAKAGAK, Video Analytics & AI Security Solutions Integration (LPR, Facial, Behavior). Its NAICS code is 334511 and its SIC code is 3812.