A Proof-of-Value Case Study on AI Adoption and Its Measurable Impact in Construction

By Shawn Gray, Founder of ConstructIQ Advisory

BuildexBC just took place from Feb 26-27 in Vancouver Canada, western Canada’s largest construction conference bringing together industry leaders and the most promising technology innovators to tackle one of the industry’s most pressing questions: With over 80% of firms citing resource shortages, how can data and AI help us do more with less?

This year, the Prairies Proptech Association and its members took center stage, leading several standout events as part of their AI Adoption Proof of Value Initiative. From a buzzing Contech Showcase and AI Case Study Seminar, to an offsite industry networking night, the message was clear: AI-in-construction is no longer a future concept, mid-sized firms are actively exploring these solutions, and local innovators are delivering real results today.

The Contech Showcase featured a lineup of local startups solving real-world jobsite challenges with practical AI and automation tools. Their mission? Improve workforce capacity and efficiency without adding more overhead.

• Flowlly demonstrated a team of integrated AI-powered assistants that reduce admin time, automate project workflows, and deliver timely insights to frontline teams. From preconstruction tasks to real-time field data capture, Flowlly showed how AI-agents can seamlessly assist every stakeholder.
• Nialli modernized Lean Construction practices with its digital Last Planner System, helping teams forecast labor needs and eliminate bottlenecks using real-time planning data—not sticky notes.
• SALUS put safety front and center, digitizing compliance processes and arming field teams with QR-accessible protocols, inspections, and real-time risk data.

A panel of industry leaders—including Chris Diepdael (Axiom Builders), Christine Tschetter (RAM Engineering), and Kenny Dempsey (Kindred Construction)—brought insights from across the construction spectrum, reinforcing that these tools aren’t just for large corporations, or billion dollar builds. Whether it’s infrastructure, residential, or mass timber, the message was clear: practical, field-first tech is now a competitive necessity.

The audience echoed this, asking critical questions about implementation costs, data security, and field readiness—proving there’s no shortage of interest, just a need for de-risked, low-barrier ways to try these tools.

Flowlly emerged as both the Judges’ and Audience Favorite, showing how AI agents can unlock significant time savings and produce actionable insights to mitigate delays. The takeaway? AI isn’t replacing workers—it’s giving them more time to focus on high-value work like supervision, mentoring, and coordination.

Download the full Contech Showcase presentation and detailed recap

Results requires action. The AI Adoption Proof of Value Initiative, powered by Prairies Proptech, is helping firms explore emerging technology with less risk, less cost, and more impact. Enrollment for the Q2 cohort is now open, offering a practical path to try AI on your next project.

Submit your Expression of Interest at: www.prairiesproptech.com/ai-adoption-pov

While most talk the talk, we’ve walked the walk on implementing meaningful applications of AI in the construction sector. Founded by Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 in Construction, Shawn Gray, ConstructIQ’s mission is to drive meaningful change by helping firms overcome barriers to technology adoption. Our proven approach enables businesses to achieve results faster, with significantly less risk, time, and cost. Learn more at www.constructiqadvisory.ca.

The Prairies Proptech Association is a not-for-profit organization comprised of leaders from technology, construction, real-estate, academia, and government. We are dedicated to accelerating adoption of Canadian prairies-based technology for the built environment through advocacy, collaboration, education, and gap bridging events and initiatives. To learn more or get involved, visit www.prairiesproptech.com.

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