In this Spotlight on ITC Vegas interview, Vishnu Sridhar, CEO of Matter Intelligence, discusses how the company is using novel sensors and AI to build a new generation of physical-world intelligence for the insurance industry. By collecting detailed data on materials and assets across the environment, Matter Intelligence aims to give insurers a more accurate understanding of the risks they underwrite.

The company is developing technology that captures multiple layers of information simultaneously, including colour, photographic, molecular, chemical, temperature and 3D shape data. Initially collecting datasets from aircraft and satellites, Matter Intelligence is building foundation models capable of providing intelligence on everything from atmospheric gases and surface materials to roofs, pavements, water and vegetation.

As Vishnu explains: “We’re collecting these data sets from airplanes and satellites initially, and that’s allowing us to pretty much get intelligence on any atmospheric gases to surface material like roofs and pavements as well as….water, vegetation, etc.”

For insurance carriers, this approach addresses the limitations of traditional property assessment methods, which typically rely on physical inspections, aerial imagery and actuarial data. These approaches can introduce subjectivity and rely on indirect indicators when assessing the condition of an insured asset.

Matter Intelligence aims to move beyond these proxies by providing what Vishnu describes as the physical truth about the assets insurers care about. Its molecular and chemical intelligence can help carriers understand the specific composition and condition of a property, from the granules present on a roof to cracks in pavement and the quality of water.

He explains: “Because Matter is collecting molecular and chemical intelligence, we’re able to directly answer these carriers questions with high certainty, so you can get down to replacement cost to repair or replace decisions with very high certainties.”

Reflecting on ITC Vegas, Vishnu highlights the opportunity to understand the challenges facing carriers and explore how the industry is approaching emerging technologies. With AI and agentic workflows expected to feature prominently, he believes the underlying datasets will be critical to their success.