Sound-powered fire protection startup gets $15M to snuff out fires before they turn catastrophic

For over a century, fire protection has relied on water and chemicals. Sonic Fire Tech, a startup, is developing a novel sound-powered fire protection system that claims to extinguish fires instantly while avoiding the cleanup costs associated with traditional methods. The company recently secured $15 million in funding led by the O.H.I.O.

Fund and Khosla Ventures. This capital will aid Sonic Fire Tech in expanding its workforce and conducting the necessary tests to gain approval from the National Fire Protection Association, a process typically lasting around three years. Co-founder and CEO Geoff Bruder remains optimistic, believing the approval process will be significantly shorter due to the system's unique properties.

Unlike conventional fire suppression systems, Sonic Fire Tech's technology leaves no mess after use, thereby expediting cleanup efforts. This benefit in testing could translate to real-world advantages, particularly in commercial kitchens that could face lengthy restoration after a fire. Sonic Fire Tech's acoustic fire suppression system generates inaudible sound through PVC pipes in the ceiling, which, upon detecting a fire, triggers a response within seconds, potentially preventing significant damage.

The company is already engaging with insurers about potential premium discounts, a development that could expedite the adoption of their product. Sonic Fire Tech's technology is also effective against lithium-ion battery fires, which are notoriously difficult to extinguish, potentially containing the flames and preventing cell-to-cell spread.

The startup is developing systems for commercial buildings, kitchens, and homes, both for new constructions and retrofits. Currently, around 500 jurisdictions mandate interior fire protection systems, but Bruder emphasizes that 50% of home fires begin in the kitchen, and even modest Sonic Fire Tech systems focused on the kitchen could substantially reduce the risk of catastrophic house fires, subsequently lowering insurance premiums.