Case Study: DigitalFundHub Secures Grant Funding for BLDX’s Blockchain-Powered Building Intelligence Platform
Client Background
BLDX is a universal business intelligence platform that creates digital identities for buildings, tying critical data (sustainability metrics, maintenance records, GHG emissions) to a blockchain-based “digital twin.” Founded in 2022, BLDX solves a $10B+ industry problem: 40% of building data is lost or siloed, leading to inefficiencies, higher costs, and compliance risks. Their AI-driven platform helps municipalities, real estate firms, and regulators access verifiable building data in real time.
Challenge:
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Needed $200K grant funding to advance R&D, hire technical staff, and scale their MVP.
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Required a compelling narrative to stand out in competitive grant cycles (e.g., OEDIT).
DigitalFundHub’s Approach
We targeted BLDX’s grant campaign with a 3-step strategy:
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Strategic Alignment
Researched and identified the OEDIT Advanced Industries Grant as the perfect fit for their blockchain-based building intelligence solution. -
Narrative Crafting
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Translated complex tech (NFT digital twins, AI-driven GHG tracking) into clear ROI and sustainability impact.
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Highlighted $10B+ industry pain points (data silos, compliance costs) with World GBC stats.
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Showcased traction (Air Force, UCHealth pilots) and IP strategy.
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Budget Precision
Mapped 310K matching funds for credibility.
- Complex Tech Story: BLDX’s blockchain/NFT innovation was hard to explain to non-technical grant reviewers.
- Proving Market Need: Needed data to validate the $10B+ cost of building data silos and inefficiencies.
- Competitive Grants: Required standout differentiation against other climate tech applicants.
- Funding Gap: $200K R&D goal lacked validation without existing partnerships or revenue.
- Regulatory Hurdles: ESG/SEC compliance reporting requirements added complexity.
- Simplified Storytelling: Broke down blockchain into “digital building IDs” with real-world analogies (e.g., “VIN for buildings”).
- Leveraged Industry Data: Cited World GBC’s 39% carbon footprint stat and $10B operational cost inefficiencies.
- Highlighted Traction: Showcased pilots (UCHealth, Air Force) and IP (provisional patent) for credibility.
- Aligned with Grant Goals: Framed BLDX as a dual solution for cost savings + sustainability (OEDIT’s focus).
- Budget Precision: Tied funds to tangible outputs (AI development, hiring, SEC-compliant tools
- $200K Grant Secured (pending final award) to scale MVP.
- Product Acceleration: AI-driven GHG tools integrated; pilot launched with McCownGordon.
- Partnership Growth: UCHealth (hospital chillers) and Air Force (Navajo housing) onboarded.
- Media Recognition: Featured in GreenTech Magazine and Construction Blockchain Consortium.
- Investor Momentum: $310K matching funds raised post-grant validation.