In the 12th episode of PropTech Power Talks, we hosted Roger Wahl, Chief Technology Officer at Innovo Group, a global real estate life cycle support company. With nearly four decades of experience across the U.S. Air Force, General Electric, and the real estate sector, Roger brings a wealth of knowledge and a forward-looking perspective to the evolving world of PropTech.

Roger unpacks the power of digital twins—explaining how virtual representations of real-world assets are transforming every phase of real estate, from planning and design to construction and operations. He highlights the role of game engines like Unreal in simulating entire communities and optimizing urban planning.

We also explore the critical role of data centers in enabling the future of AI and smart infrastructure. Roger shares how Innovo and its technology arm, Innovotech, are pioneering modular, mobile data centers in collaboration with leading tech partners. These centers support edge computing and are designed to meet the growing demands of AI, crypto, and soon, quantum computing.

From immersive digital ecosystems to next-gen data processing, this episode dives into how Innovo is shaping the future of real estate through bold technological innovation.

Q: To start, can you talk about digital twins and how they’re transforming the property landscape?

A: Digital twins are amazing. The concept has been around for many years, dating back to the automotive industry, where sensor technology enabled the creation of digital representations of physical assets.

In the context of construction and real estate development, this means we’re now able to collect data across the entire life cycle—from capital planning and design to construction and smart building technologies. With this data, we can create a digital model that allows us to run simulations, optimize community layouts, and enhance building efficiency.

We’re using platforms like Unreal Engine—originally created for gaming—to design entire communities virtually. This lets us simulate things like traffic flow, construction sequencing, and operational efficiency. The digital twin serves as a logical model that helps us deliver the best possible physical asset.

Ultimately, digital twins improve the product at every stage of its life cycle. The end result is a smarter, more intuitive, and more proactive building—one that’s been refined digitally before ever being built physically.

Q: Let’s talk about data centers. In today’s digital age, they’re becoming essential. How is Innovo innovating in that area?

A: Data centers are incredibly important, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence, which generates millions of data points that need to be processed in real time.

At Innovo and our tech division, Innovotech, we’re collaborating with innovative companies like HP and Delta to create modular, mobile data centers that leverage the latest technologies. These centers are used around the world for everything from AI processing to crypto mining.

The key is mobility—these centers can be relocated as needed to support edge computing, which processes data closer to where it’s generated for faster response times. This is a major trend we’re seeing in the real estate life cycle, and it’s critical for managing large-scale, real-time data.

Looking ahead, as AI continues to evolve and quantum computing becomes more mainstream, the demand for data processing will only increase. Right now, we’re using GPUs, but in the near future, quantum qubits will enable us to process data even faster. Data centers will need to be deployed everywhere to meet this demand—it’s an exciting time for the industry.

Q: Innovo is also connected with several venture capital firms and startups. Can you share some of the most exciting innovations you’ve seen coming from those partnerships?

A: Absolutely. Historically, real estate hasn’t seen much investment in technology. But with sustainability goals and the push to reduce carbon footprints, we’re now seeing more AI startups in PropTech and ConTech than in FinTech—and the innovation is incredible.

We’re actively working with several venture capital firms, including Brick & Mortar, Noah, Zakua, and Pi Labs, among others. Under their umbrella, we’re piloting a number of promising technologies both internally at Innovo and externally with clients around the globe.

Some standout examples include:

• PassiveLogic – a smart building platform with an AI foundation and open API that integrates with virtually any smart device.
• Trunk Tools and Document Crunch – tools aimed at improving project collaboration.
• CarbonWise – a platform focused on tracking and managing sustainability throughout a project’s life cycle.
• Notes & Links – an innovative project planning tool.
• Contilio – a construction digital twin platform that uses LiDAR scanning to capture real-time building data. We then use AI to compare this against the 3D design and schedule, helping us cut our carbon footprint by up to 10% by eliminating rework.

These technologies are driving more sustainable, efficient, and productive outcomes across the board. With real investment flowing into our sector, it’s truly an exciting time to be part of the PropTech ecosystem.

Q: Speaking of sustainability, how important is the role that smart building technology plays in creating sustainable and energy-efficient buildings?

A: It’s incredibly important. In fact, it’s one of the key reasons why so much investment is now flowing into PropTech, and why we’re seeing a surge in location-based AI startups across the real estate life cycle.

Real estate, globally, represents more value than the combined value of global GDP, stocks, and bonds—so the opportunity to drive sustainable outcomes is massive. At the same time, our industry is responsible for using 30–40% of global resources and energy, and contributes up to 40% of global carbon emissions.

The technologies we see becoming more mainstream today are not just focused on productivity—they’re also aimed at achieving sustainable outcomes. That includes reducing carbon footprints through more efficient construction processes, off-site manufacturing, and modular technologies that ensure safety, reliability, and environmental responsibility. Creating components off-site in controlled environments also contributes to greater efficiency and lower waste.

We're seeing exciting developments in carbon-friendly concrete and steel, as well as investment not only in new technologies, but also in sustainable materials and improved processes. Startups and AI solutions across the real estate life cycle are now focused on tracking, measuring, and actively reducing carbon footprints—by streamlining design, speeding up capital planning, and enabling more sustainable material choices.

Technologies like off-site modular construction, 3D printing, and robotics are making this possible, helping us do more with less and deliver better outcomes at every stage of development.

Q: How is Innovo participating in modular and off-site construction methods?

A: This is a rapidly growing area, and we’re heavily involved. Historically, one of the key barriers to adoption—particularly in places like the UAE—was a lack of local infrastructure. There simply weren’t many modular construction capabilities, so materials and components had to be imported from other regions.

At Innovo, we’re working closely with some of the largest developers—both in the UAE and globally—to change that. As a builder, we’re helping develop the supply chain needed to support modular construction, not just for pods, but for full volumetric components that can be used in large-scale developments.

What’s really encouraging is that the entire supply chain is now aligned—from subcontractors to developers, to builders and clients. Everyone is saying: let’s prioritize sustainable outcomes. Let’s leverage off-site, volumetric modular construction, which benefits from advanced robotics and manufacturing technologies.

Compared to on-site methods, off-site construction is significantly more efficient and sustainable. And what’s most exciting is the spirit of collaboration we’re seeing across the life cycle—everyone is working together to make this shift a reality.

Q: With all these exciting developments, how do you see the PropTech and ConTech industries evolving over the next decade?

A: I see them gaining incredible momentum right now, which makes the future truly exciting. As I mentioned earlier, we’re seeing more AI startups in our space than even in fintech. The scale of opportunity—especially around sustainable outcomes—is immense, and everyone is leaning into it.

Looking ahead, I envision far greater adoption of modular construction, 3D printing, and sustainable technologies throughout the real estate development life cycle. These are no longer fringe concepts—they're becoming mainstream.

We're also seeing a move toward connected products and platforms. Companies like Autodesk are acquiring and building capabilities that span the entire life cycle—from capital planning and design to construction, operation, and maintenance. I believe that’s the next big leap: integrated, end-to-end solutions that create a seamless experience across the real estate life cycle.

And it’s not just AI that’s driving this shift. The convergence of AI with technologies like IoT and quantum computing is supercharging outcomes in our industry. There's more collaboration than ever before. Everyone—from developers to builders to tech providers—is coming together and investing in these innovations.

There’s a real appetite for delivering these technologies, especially across the GCC, but the movement is global. The future looks incredibly bright, both in terms of adding value to our companies and customers, and in making a positive impact on communities and the planet. We're genuinely excited about what’s ahead.

Q: Talking about significance—this will be my final question—what do you think about the importance of events like the London PropTech Show for the industry?

A: These events are absolutely essential. They're not just about discovering the latest technologies and trends—they're about building relationships and creating meaningful connections.

The London PropTech Show, in particular, is phenomenal. I’ve attended and spoken at the last couple of editions, and what makes it stand out is the opportunity for true co-creation. It brings together a unique mix of operators, owners, developers, builders, and technology companies—people who might not otherwise meet. And it’s in these interactions that innovation is born.

Events like this help align everyone across the ecosystem. They give us a platform to learn, share, and collaborate on new ideas. They accelerate our collective progress toward a more efficient and sustainable built environment.

It is especially impactful because it draws a truly global audience. It connects stakeholders from the U.S., Europe, the GCC, and even Asia-Pacific. It’s a central hub for the entire industry.

I'm really looking forward to this year’s event, just as I did last year. It’s a powerful space for collaboration and progress.

The future of PropTech and ConTech is not just about innovation—it's about collaboration, sustainability, and creating smarter, more resilient communities. Roger’s insights offered a clear view into how emerging technologies like digital twins, AI, modular construction, and smart building systems are reshaping the real estate landscape at a global scale.

To watch the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVRl1398EYA