Smart Building Technology
Interview with Dr.-Ing. Johannes Fütterer, CEO of aedifion GmbH
aedifion GmbH is an innovative technology company that specializes in the digitalization and optimization of buildings. In the interview, Johannes Fütterer, CEO and co-founder, reveals the vision from which the company originated, the challenges that shape it, and the ambitious goals that determine its future.
aedifion GmbH was founded in 2017 from a research group at RWTH Aachen, which was dedicated to building automation. Founded by Johannes Fütterer and his team, the goal was to finally bring research results into practice. 'We were frustrated that our work was not being used,' explains Johannes Fütterer. With support from the EXIST program and investments, the company was able to be established. Today, aedifion employs 91 people, manages over 400 buildings in eight countries, and generates a recurring revenue of 5 million euros. With a growth of 100% last year, aedifion is focused on expansion. 'Our goal is to equip one million buildings with our technology by 2030,' says Johannes Fütterer.
Digitalization and Sustainability as Guiding Principles
The core technology of aedifion is based on a cloud platform that collects building data and utilizes it for AI-driven solutions. These optimize energy consumption, increase comfort, and reduce costs. A focus is on load management that adjusts energy consumption to electricity prices. "In the future, it's not just about how much energy a building consumes, but when," emphasizes Johannes Fütterer. TÜV-certified solutions help property owners meet legal requirements and make their properties more sustainable. Sustainability is central. "Buildings are responsible for 40% of global energy consumption. We need to make them more efficient to tackle the climate crisis," says Johannes Fütterer. The optimization not only leads to CO2 reduction but also to higher returns and better rentability.
Marketing Strategies and International Orientation
aedifion focuses on institutional property owners. Blogs, LinkedIn, and newsletters, as well as presence at trade fairs like Expo Real and MIPIM in Cannes, are the main communication channels. "These platforms are essential for presenting our vision," explains Johannes Fütterer. From the outset, aedifion GmbH has focused on internationalization. Today, the company is active in eight countries and plans a pan-European expansion and to enter markets in the USA and Asia. "Building technology is similar worldwide. Scaling was our goal from the beginning," says Johannes Fütterer. Challenges like a shortage of skilled workers, especially in software development, are overcome by aedifion with creative solutions. "Germany does not provide enough developers, so we are considering offshoring," explains Johannes Fütterer. Nevertheless, the company remains an attractive employer, as it allows employees to actively participate in the energy transition. "We create real impact – this motivates our team," the CEO concludes emphatically.