CruxOCM, a Calgary-based leader in industrial automation, raised a $23.3-million Series A round led by M12, Microsoft’s venture fund. The investment, announced in August, will enable the company to bring its technology to more control rooms across the energy sector.
The startup is transforming control room operations with its innovative RIPA platform. RIPA, which stands for Robotic Industrial Process Automation, implements advanced automation to enhance key processes in real time, driving significant advances in safety, efficiency, and productivity.
“M12 is excited to back CruxOCM’s mission to equip energy industry control room operators with advanced tools,” said Michelle Gonzalez, Corporate Vice-President and Global Head, M12. “Their innovative technology is set to disrupt the energy sector, enhancing efficiency and safety by providing operators with co-pilot capabilities.”
In May, a $1.5 million investment from ERA through the Reshaping Energy Systems funding competition enabled CruxOCM to enhance its software by creating two autonomous solutions that adjust oil and gas pipeline operations to optimize energy usage. This investment will accelerate CruxOCM’s growth and drive significant progress toward creating a more sustainable energy sector.
“Our platform is essentially the adaptive cruise control for energy control rooms,” said Vicki Knott, Co-founder and CEO, CruxOCM. “RIPA takes on repetitive, high-risk tasks, enabling operators to focus on strategy and oversight. It’s about empowering people with tools that make their jobs safer, easier, and more impactful.”
Key to the platform is its ability to optimize flow rates and other key metrics, ensuring the most efficient use of infrastructure and resources. This capability maximizes output and minimizes waste.
By automating complex sequences precisely, RIPA enhances operational consistency, reduces downtime, and ensures smoother workflows. This adaptability can cater to various applications across midstream infrastructure, including pipelines, storage facilities, processing plants, and distribution networks.
By automating critical tasks, RIPA minimizes the risks associated with manual processes and enhances overall system reliability, essential in an industry where safety and operational efficiencies are paramount.