Daikin invests to advance IAQ
26th March 2025
JAPAN/USA: Daikin Applied has invested in Poppy Health, a pioneer start-up in real-time air measurement technology to optimise ventilation in commercial buildings.
Prior to this investment, Daikin and Poppy conducted field trials to validate the real-time air measurement technology in various types of buildings. The tests were carried out in 70 buildings across 10 regions from a wide range of sectors, including commercial offices, healthcare, education, and hospitality.
The study found that 65% of sites were over-ventilated, indicating significant potential for energy savings, while 25% were under-ventilated and in need of ventilation improvement. Additionally, Poppy’s technology was able to quantify the impact of upgrading a wide range of air conditioning and filtration equipment to help customers comply with relevant standards.
Daikin will collaborate with Poppy through its US subsidiary Daikin Applied Americas to accelerate the transition to smart, adaptive air conditioning systems and buildings that improve building energy efficiency, promote occupant health, and support decarbonisation.
Founded in 2019 in Silicon Valley, Poppy provides building owners and engineers with tools and technology to visualise air performance and reduce energy waste and greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining superior air quality.
The company’s patented real-time air-tracing and ventilation optimisation solutions comply with ASHRAE Standard 241 through a new test method recently introduced to the industry, helping commercial building owners reduce energy costs while complying with key standards for safe and sustainable indoor air management.
“Many facility owners and operators recognise opportunities to improve energy efficiency and enhance occupant experience, but are uncertain about what will provide the best return on investment,” explained Masaru Nishiwaki, COO of Daikin Applied Americas. “Poppy’s advanced air measurement technology uncovers these opportunities and, with Daikin’s specialised know-how, makes retrofits feasible to realise energy savings and other benefits.”
Daikin established its Technology and Innovation Centre CVC Office in November 2019 to promote collaboration with startup companies. It has since invested in over 20 companies around the world.
