Fire Protection Startup Raises $15 Million to Harness Revolutionary Sound Technology in the Fight Against Catastrophic Fires

For over a century, fire safety has predominantly depended on water and chemical methods. While these traditional approaches can prevent large-scale fires, they often result in high cleanup costs.

Nonetheless, this landscape is set to change. Sonic Fire Tech is pioneering a revolutionary sound-based fire protection system that aims to extinguish fires almost instantly while sidestepping the complex cleanup issues associated with water and chemical damages. On Monday, the company revealed that it has successfully secured $15 million in funding, primarily from The O.H.I.O. Fund, along with additional support from Khosla Ventures. Previously, the startup raised $3.5 million in seed funding last October.

This latest round of funding will enable the Ohio-based company to grow its team and conduct essential testing needed for approval from the National Fire Protection Association, which sets the standard codes used by fire departments across the country.

While the typical approval process usually takes about three years, co-founder and CEO Geoff Bruder mentioned to TechCrunch that Sonic Fire Tech’s timeline could be “significantly shorter.”

Bruder’s optimism is partly due to the unique benefits of Sonic Fire Tech’s system: it avoids the messy consequences of fire suppression, which could speed up the approval process. Unlike conventional testing that requires complex setups, Bruder explained that with Sonic Fire Tech’s approach, “there’s no need for cleanup.”

This testing efficiency could prove advantageous for practical applications. For example, commercial kitchens often face long restoration and cleanup periods following a fire, with nearly 75% never reopening, as highlighted by Remington Bixby Hotchkis, COO of Sonic Fire Tech, during conversations with TechCrunch.

Sonic Fire Tech’s advanced fire suppression system utilizes a sound generator that produces inaudible frequencies through PVC tubing installed in the ceiling. Upon detecting flames through sensors, the generator activates, emitting infrasonic waves at around 20 Hz directed at the fire.

“We are the only technology that generates its own suppressant without causing collateral damage. False alarms are less of a concern for us,” Hotchkis remarked. “We can deploy in seconds.”

This swift response ability could significantly reduce fire damage, drawing interest from the insurance sector. The startup is currently collaborating with insurers to see if their system could qualify for premium discounts, potentially accelerating the adoption of the technology.

The system also shows potential for extinguishing fires sparked by lithium-ion batteries, which are notoriously difficult to control. In initial trials, Bruder indicated, “we don’t completely extinguish a lithium-ion fire, but we can contain it.” He added, “If we can prevent the outer casing from igniting, we could limit cell-to-cell fire spread and minimize the overall fire size.”

Sonic Fire Tech is working on systems designed to protect the interiors of commercial buildings, kitchens, and homes, suitable for both new constructions and renovations. The company is also developing a solution aimed at safeguarding residences in wildfire-prone areas, though progress on this project has faced delays due to challenges in accessing an appropriate testing facility.

In addition to facilitating faster fire suppression, Sonic Fire Tech’s system could also help reduce restoration costs when necessary.

Currently, around 500 jurisdictions mandate indoor fire protection systems. Bruder notes that 50% of residential fires originate in kitchens, often due to grease or electrical problems. Even a compact Sonic Fire Tech system specifically designed for kitchen use could considerably lessen the risk of devastating house fires and potentially lead to reduced insurance premiums. “Current sprinklers are insufficient for addressing these types of fires,” Bruder asserted.