The Irish startup Prodensus, recognized as the best AI-focused startup of 2024, has transformed the management of freight transport and logistics hiring processes using AI and Microsoft Azure.
Global logistics is undergoing a silent revolution from Kilkenny, Ireland. Prodensus has been awarded the “AI-Focused Startup of the Year” at the National Startup Awards 2024, demonstrating how artificial intelligence can redesign one of the most complex and strategic sectors of the economy: freight transport.
Its tool, DataMate, built on artificial intelligence and developed on Microsoft Azure, is helping companies worldwide cut their operating costs by up to 40% and reduce their CO₂ emissions by 25%, with tangible results seen in the first year of implementation.
A Solution Born During the Pandemic
Prodensus emerged in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic when global supply chains were severely disrupted. Faced with fluctuating transport prices and logistical bottlenecks, the founders identified the opportunity to create a tech solution that analyzes large volumes of data in real time. This led to the development of DataMate, an AI platform capable of automatically cleaning, structuring, and enriching logistics data.
“More than two-thirds of multinational companies don’t know how much they spend on transportation on a particular day. With our system, our clients gain full visibility and can negotiate the best logistical terms in real time,” explains Frankie Bates, CEO and co-founder of Prodensus.
Clean Data, Smarter Decisions
DataMate has positioned itself as the only market solution that combines data cleansing with specialized transport enrichment. Thanks to proprietary algorithms and over 80 years of codified industry knowledge, the platform provides detailed insights into cost profiles and saving opportunities.
Moreover, it functions as a real-time marketplace where buyers and logistics providers can collaborate to lock in optimal contracted rates. This translates into radical optimization of purchasing and transport management processes, significantly reducing both analysis time and logistics expenditure.
AI for Sustainability
Advancements in European regulations, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), require companies to report their emissions, including those associated with logistics and transport. Prodensus has developed a solution that automatically calculates the carbon footprint using historical shipping data. By simply dragging the file into the platform, users can receive analysis aligned with the GSRD framework.
Prodensus clients have reported up to 30% cost savings and a 25% reduction in CO₂ emissions, a key breakthrough for companies striving to comply with increasingly stringent regulations without sacrificing efficiency.
Microsoft: A Strategic Ally from Day One
The development and scaling of Prodensus has been driven by its participation in the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub, which offers technical support, Azure credits, access to leading AI models, and specialized mentoring.
“Azure’s infrastructure has enabled us to scale rapidly, processing 25,000 shipments in five minutes—a task that would take weeks for an analyst—and to stay ahead of the competition through continuous innovation,” Bates states.
In addition to Azure OpenAI, Prodensus uses tools like GitHub Enterprise and Microsoft Teams to coordinate its teams and optimize product development.
Ireland: A Platform for Global Innovation
From its base in Ireland, Prodensus has found a conducive environment for growth. The combination of technical talent, institutional support, and a geostrategic position between Europe and the rest of the world has facilitated its international expansion.
“Ireland has been an ideal springboard. Thanks to its entrepreneurial ecosystem, we’ve managed to reach global clients and establish ourselves as a benchmark in the transformation of the logistics sector through AI,” Bates highlights.
A Future Accelerating with Intelligence
Prodensus represents the model of a tech startup that combines innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency. Its partnership with Microsoft and customer-centric approach have positioned it as one of the most disruptive propositions in today’s logistics landscape.
“Our goal is to help companies thrive in an increasingly complex world,” concludes Frankie Bates. “AI not only enhances efficiency but also provides the tools to build a more sustainable and competitive future.”
Source: Microsoft News