Prognosis Sp. z o.o. – founded in 2016, originates from the Suwałki Science and Technology Park. The company specializes in developing cutting-edge technologies that support energy efficiency and sustainable development.
INVEST IN PODLASKIE: How did the story of Prognosis begin, and what inspired you to start a business in this industry? What was the journey from idea to realization like?
Joanna Konopko, Prognosis: We founded Prognosis in 2016 by participating in the “Startup Platforms for New Ideas” program. Critical startup support enabled us to refine our ideas and build a solid foundation for the company’s development. We developed the concept at the Suwałki Science and Technology Park, where we had access to the necessary infrastructure and expert support. Our vision of creating an energy management system was born out of the need to increase energy efficiency in companies, and the Science and Technology Park provided the perfect environment to turn this idea into reality.
What is the Prognosis system?
Prognosis is not just another energy management system. It’s an intelligent solution that monitors energy consumption in real time, identifies problems, and proposes optimal solutions to reduce energy costs and increase efficiency. With key features such as continuous efficiency, cost savings generation, and comprehensive control all available in one place, Prognosis enables significant reductions in operational costs.
How does Prognosis work? How does it collect and analyze data? What tools do you use?
Prognosis makes energy management simple and accessible. It collects data directly from electricity meters at all energy consumption points in the company using our proprietary device, the Prognosis Box. The data is then uploaded to Prognosis’s cloud-based system. Customers can easily access their data via a web browser on any device with internet access, such as a computer or phone. In the Prognosis system, users can access a complete energy profile, including cost reports, energy parameters, detailed real-time energy consumption information, and optimization recommendations.
The Prognosis system enables real-time data analysis to identify areas for energy optimization. The system automatically selects optimal energy parameters by analyzing data from past periods and suggests actions to minimize power losses.
The Prognosis system is not just a tool, it’s a comprehensive solution that monitors energy consumption in real time, continuously analyzes historical data, and selects the best parameters to optimize energy consumption. We detect irregularities, minimize power losses, and offer complete control over energy costs. Our system is a complete package that monitors, predicts potential problems, and proposes corrective actions, providing a sense of security and control.
Prognosis uses advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence to analyze big data and predictive systems that monitor energy consumption and forecast potential problems, enabling better process optimization.
Which industries are of interest to you?
Our Prognosis system is not limited to a specific industry. It’s a versatile tool that can benefit many recipients, including hospitals, hotels, spas, local governments, municipalities, and manufacturing companies. Energy costs constitute a significant part of the budget in these places. Still, they often lack dedicated energy management specialists or the appropriate tools to monitor and optimize energy consumption effectively. Our Prognosis system is a perfect solution, as it acts as a virtual energy manager, helping these industries significantly reduce energy costs and increase energy resource management efficiency.
With Prognosis, businesses and institutions can significantly reduce energy costs, increase energy resource management efficiency, and ensure operations continuity without engaging extensive human resources. In many industries, such as manufacturing, energy constitutes a significant proportion of costs, and our system supports managing it, constantly monitoring the enterprise’s energy security. The potential for cost savings is substantial, offering a bright financial outlook.
What do you think are the biggest challenges in the area of energy management?
First, rising energy costs, market price volatility, and the need to ensure continuity and stability of energy supply require companies to optimize consumption to minimize expenses without negatively impacting production continuity or service delivery. Often, the problem is the lack of appropriate tools and specialized personnel who can manage this area effectively and efficiently.
Another challenge is the need for precise real-time monitoring of energy consumption, which allows for the quick detection of any irregularities, such as excessive consumption, suboptimal parameters, or system failures. With this monitoring, companies may realize they are wasting energy, which generates additional costs. Implementing solutions like the Prognosis system allows problems to be automatically detected and reported immediately, which is crucial in dynamic production or service environments.
There is also an increasing focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, especially in the context of climate change and legal regulations regarding CO2 emissions. Many companies face the challenge of meeting these standards while keeping energy costs reasonable. Implementing modern energy management tools, such as our Prognosis system, not only helps control consumption and costs but also assists companies in reducing their carbon footprint, which is becoming increasingly important.
Integrating various energy sources, including renewables, is also worth mentioning, as it requires more advanced management systems. Companies increasingly use energy from photovoltaic panels or wind turbines, which raises new challenges in balancing and distributing energy from different sources. This must be properly managed to utilize these resources optimally.
Finally, technical challenges like aging energy infrastructure can lead to failures and power losses. The Prognosis system offers tools for continuous monitoring of infrastructure status and keeps you informed of potential risks, helping you avoid significant energy shortages or failures.
Is there a case that stands out in your memory where you identified and solved a significant energy issue?
Yes, one of the most memorable cases that demonstrates the effectiveness of our system was the detection of errors in the configuration of an energy meter at one of our clients. Through precise data analysis, the Prognosis system identified irregularities in the billing method used by the energy distributor. It turned out that the client had been incorrectly billed for several years, leading to significant overpayments.
Our analysis allowed us to detect these errors and obtain invoice corrections for several years back. Ultimately, the client recovered over 100,000 PLN. This is a significant saving that highlights the importance of accurate energy monitoring and management optimization and how valuable our tools can be in identifying and correcting such issues.
Do you collaborate with other companies in the Podlaskie region?
Yes, we collaborate with many companies in the Podlaskie region that use our system to optimize energy consumption. The cooperation is going very well; we strive to operate locally and support technology development in the region. Thanks to our proximity, we can have a more personalized approach to customers from Podlasie.
You operate throughout Poland. How do you assess Prognosis’s potential to expand into other markets? What are your development plans?
I see great potential for expansion not only in the Polish market but also in foreign markets. Energy management is a global challenge, and our solutions are universal and can be implemented in different countries. However, each country has energy regulations and legal requirements, which pose a significant challenge for international expansion.
Our long-term goal is to expand into foreign markets, especially in Europe, where the demand for efficient energy management systems is growing. Although Prognosis technology is adaptable to different conditions, compliance with local regulations and laws is crucial. We plan to collaborate with local partners and experts to effectively introduce our solutions while adhering to specific legal requirements in each country. Our development strategy also includes continuously improving our technology to meet international standards and regulations.
Prognosis has received numerous awards – mainly for innovation.
From the beginning, Prognosis has focused on innovation as the foundation of our activities and development strategy. The awards we have received, such as the main prize in the international Anita Borg competition organized by Google in 2015 or the title of Best Border Technology Company in 2023, confirm that our work is heading in the right direction. In 2019, we were recognized in the Kurier Poranny and the NOT Federation of Science and Technology Associations Council, in two categories: Services/Micro Company and Young Dynamic.
Additionally, Zielony Feniks recognized our achievements in implementing eco-energy solutions in 2020, and we also received the Włócznia Jaćwingów award from the Mayor of Suwałki in the same year. In 2022, we received the CBRE Innovation of the year award for Creating the Best Value/Savings.
These awards motivate us to improve our products further and seek new solutions that introduce new quality and positively impact energy efficiency and sustainable development. Innovation is the key to success in a rapidly changing world. The awards we have received confirm that our work is heading in the right direction and that the solutions we create meet the market’s actual needs.
How do you assess the potential of the Podlaskie region? Is it a good place for innovative startups like Prognosis?
Yes, most certainly. The Podlaskie region has enormous potential as a location for innovative startups like Prognosis. The region offers many favorable conditions for the development of technology and entrepreneurship. First and foremost, Podlaskie has access to a qualified workforce, which is crucial for creating and developing modern technological solutions.
Additionally, the Podlaskie region has a growing startup and innovation community, which creates favorable conditions for networking and collaboration with other technology companies. Initiatives such as the Białystok Science and Technology Park or the Poland-East Science and Technology Park in Suwałki, where we developed our business, offer startup support through access to modern infrastructure, consulting, and acceleration programs.
Although the region may be less developed than larger technology centers, it offers unique opportunities and support essential for developing innovative projects. Collaboration with local institutions and using regional resources allow for the effective implementation and development of cutting-edge technologies in a supportive environment.
Thank you for the interview
Joanna Konopko is the founder and board member of Prognosis Sp. z o.o.. She has extensive experience in developing innovative technologies in the energy sector. She is passionate about supporting entrepreneurship and sustainable development.