The U.S.-Saudi Business Council had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Hassan Albalawi, Founder and CEO of USSBC member WakeCap Technologies. WakeCap is pioneering the integration of smart technology in the construction industry, focusing on enhancing safety, productivity, and efficiency. Dr. Albalawi discusses how WakeCap’s technology aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, supports real-time data-driven decision-making on construction sites, and leverages global partnerships to drive innovation. Dr. Albalawi also shares insights on WakeCap’s rapid expansion strategies and their role in the digital transformation of the construction sector.
How does WakeCap’s technology contribute to the goals outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, especially in terms of advancing the construction sector?
WakeCap’s technology is perfectly aligned with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and modernize key sectors, including construction. We are developing a full suite of innovative solutions with cutting-edge technologies aimed at enhancing safety, productivity, and efficiency – to revolutionize the construction industry. By providing real-time, data-driven insights into site operations, we enable project owners and contractors to make informed decisions that drive performance and reduce costs. This improves the quality of infrastructure projects, and at the same time, supports the Kingdom’s broader objectives of innovation and economic development. Our global HQ for engineering development is in Riyadh, allowing us to contribute to the development of the Kingdom’s engineering talent and product development with a Silicon Valley-style approach.

Dr. Hassan Albalawi, Founder and CEO, WakeCap Technologies
WakeCap has been a pioneer in integrating smart technology into construction sites. Could you share some insights on how this innovation is driving efficiency and productivity in the industry?
Integrating smart technology into construction sites has been transformative. WakeCap’s smart hard hat solution uses advanced sensors and data analytics to monitor crew location and equipment usage in real time. This level of visibility allows site managers to identify bottlenecks, optimize workflows, and ensure that resources are being used effectively. As a result, projects can be completed faster and more efficiently, with fewer delays and reduced labor costs. Our technology also enhances safety by providing timely alerts and insights, which helps prevent accidents and maintain a secure work environment.
WakeCap has formed significant partnerships with international players such as OpenSpace and EarthCam from the US, and Novade and Invigilo from Singapore. How do these collaborations enhance the technology and services provided by WakeCap?
Our strategic partnerships with global leaders significantly enhance WakeCap’s offerings by integrating complementary technologies and expertise. It allows us to provide a single, comprehensive platform for construction operations—the most complete suite of tools available to date. For instance, OpenSpace’s capabilities in site documentation and EarthCam’s advanced imaging technology augment our data accuracy and visualization tools. Collaborations with Novade and Invigilo enhance our software’s ability to manage safety and streamline data analytics. Our strategic partnership with Japan’s Biodata Bank, Inc., which produces Canaria, a heat-warning system designed to protect workers, further underscores our commitment to safety and innovation. Together, we will conduct research and development, merging our specialisms to expand our market presence.
Our recent acquisition of Crews by Core, an American project delivery platform, marks a significant expansion of our field operations platform for the world’s largest construction projects. This acquisition allows us to create the most comprehensive SAAS and IoT solution available for mega projects, giving us the capability to offer immediate ways to quantify and mitigate jobsite inefficiencies. We are also opening an R&D center in Silicon Valley to further solidify our position as a global leader in construction technology.
Since its founding in 2017, WakeCap has quickly established itself across multiple regions, including Riyadh, Dubai, and San Francisco. What strategies have been key to your rapid expansion and market strength?
Several key strategies have driven WakeCap’s rapid expansion and market strength. First, our focus on innovation and addressing real pain points in the construction industry has resonated well with stakeholders. Second, our commitment to delivering a highly reliable and easy-to-implement solution has facilitated quick adoption across sites. Third, forming strategic partnerships with global technology leaders has enhanced our market presence and credibility. Finally, our agility in responding to market needs and our dedication to customer satisfaction have helped us build a strong reputation and expand rapidly across different regions.
As a Saudi national leading WakeCap, how do you see the role of Saudi companies like yours in revolutionizing the construction industry both locally and globally?
As a Saudi national, I believe that companies like WakeCap play a crucial role in transforming the construction industry both locally and globally. The global construction industry is valued at more than $12 trillion and employs 200 million people worldwide, yet it notoriously relies on offline and inefficient processes. Miscommunication, poor collaboration, and worker shortages often result in crews wasting hours each week on non-productive tasks. This is a longstanding industry-wide problem that we at WakeCap have been tackling.
Saudi Arabia, with its ambitious Vision 2030, is at the forefront of adopting innovative technologies and setting new standards in various sectors, including construction. By introducing our unified solutions that provide real-time data and streamlined operations, we are addressing these inefficiencies head-on. Our technology enhances communication, improves collaboration, and maximizes productivity, thus enabling more efficient processes across the board.
WakeCap’s impact extends beyond just improving site operations; it represents a significant shift towards modernization and digital transformation. By spearheading advancements in construction technology, we contribute to the Kingdom’s development and set a benchmark for global practices – and this showcases the potential of Saudi companies to lead in innovation, export cutting-edge solutions, and influence industry standards worldwide.
Looking forward, what do you envision for the future of construction technology, and how is WakeCap planning to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field?
The future of construction technology lies in greater integration of AI, IoT, and data analytics to create smarter, more efficient, and safer job sites. We envision a future where all aspects of site operations are interconnected, providing seamless and transparent data flow that informs every decision. To stay ahead, WakeCap continuously invests in research and development, exploring new technologies and applications. We also prioritize partnerships and collaborations that bring fresh ideas and capabilities to our platform. Our commitment to innovation and excellence ensures that we remain at the cutting edge of construction technology.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in construction. How does WakeCap’s technology contribute to more sustainable building practices and resource management?
Our technology contributes to more sustainable building practices by optimizing resource usage, reducing waste, and improving safety and operational efficiency. By providing real-time data on worker activity and equipment utilization, we help site managers allocate resources more effectively and avoid unnecessary consumption. Our solution enhances project scheduling and reduces downtime, minimizing the environmental impact of construction activities. We aim to support the construction industry in its transition towards more sustainable and responsible practices, benefiting both the environment and the bottom line.