Five AI startups making waves in recycling, mining, healthcare, and construction

This month’s column highlights five AI startups that are gaining traction in diverse sectors. Greyparrot, a London-based company, raised £20.3 million in Series B funding led by Omar Mir. The startup uses AI-powered cameras and computer vision to analyze waste in recycling plants, helping operators improve sorting efficiency and comply with regulations. Its systems are now deployed in over 20 countries and have processed more than 1 trillion waste objects. The data also feeds Greyparrot’s Deepnest platform, used by brands like Unilever and L’Oréal to track packaging waste. The funding will support expansion in North America and Europe, with a goal of preventing over 1 million tons of waste by 2030. Emesent, an Australian robotics startup, secured $17 million in new funding, including a $10 million equity round and a $7 million venture debt facility. The company focuses on AI autonomy and cloud mapping for environments where GPS is unavailable, such as mines and tunnels. Its Hovermap technology creates detailed 3D maps, while its Cortex AI platform enables autonomous navigation. The startup has deployed its technology at over 200 mine sites globally and is expanding into defense and construction. SoundHealth, a San Francisco-based medtech startup, raised $12.25 million in Series A funding led by Shangbay Capital. The company develops non-invasive devices that use AI and acoustic resonance therapy to treat congestion and improve sleep. Its flagship product, the Sonu band, personalizes sound waves based on facial anatomy, while its newer Spatial Sleep device aims to help users fall asleep faster. The funding reflects growing investor interest in AI-powered medical devices, with over $629 million raised in the first half of 2026. Forge Industries, a Nashville-based startup, raised $3.85 million to commercialize technology that converts hard-to-recycle plastics into industrial fuel. The startup claims its engineered fuel can replace coal in heavy industries without requiring equipment modifications. The new funding will support the construction of its first U.S. biofuel facility outside Las Vegas. Global cleantech investment reached $15 billion in the first half of 2026, slightly exceeding the 2025 total. Cascade, a New York-based startup, raised $3.5 million in seed funding to build an AI platform for architecture, engineering, and construction firms. The startup claims its technology can identify construction projects before they are announced by analyzing signals such as bond filings and property transactions. The funding reflects a growing trend in real estate-related startups, with proptech receiving significant seed funding in 2026.