As the demand for AI-compute capabilities surges, data centers are striving to maximize efficiency from their GPU racks, which has led to an increase in bacterial issues.
Liquid-cooled chips rely on a combination of water and a substance that prevents bacterial growth. By adjusting the mixture to include more water for better heat absorption, data center operators face the risk of contamination that can obstruct fluid flow. To address this, systems are flushed, often requiring a rack to be shut down for several hours, potentially costing millions in lost productivity.
Omen AI has engineered a solution: a compact spectrometer that can assess the condition of this cooling liquid in real-time, identifying bacterial growth before it escalates into a severe issue. “You avoid significant downtime since you have real-time insights into the chemical state,” states CEO Zach Laberge.
Omen AI recently announced successful funding of $31 million in a Series A round, spearheaded by Nava Ventures and backed by several other investors, including CRV, Vanderbilt University, Mann+Hummel, Starhill Holdings, and Hard Launch Capital. Notable executives from companies like Bridgestone, GM, and Johnson Controls also made personal investments.
Zach Laberge, who launched his initial startup at the age of 14 in 2020, secured $3 million to deploy sensors on construction machinery before leaving high school to pursue business full-time, supported by his family, including his father, a former Ontario Minister of Education.
Following the closure of his first venture, Laberge established Omen in 2024 with a focus on fluid systems aimed at enhancing construction equipment to self-diagnose maintenance needs. The goal was to streamline the lengthy procedure of sample collection and lab testing through real-time monitoring. In addition to detecting bacterial presence, the device can analyze wear in pumps and seals by identifying specific metals in the fluid.
Omen’s early clientele included Caterpillar dealerships, major suppliers of gas turbines and generators vital for data center operations. Recognizing shifting market demands, Omen pivoted its focus towards data center applications.
“That was a significant turning point,” Laberge shared. Approximately six months ago, dealership inquiries led to sensor installations on turbines and a request for support on building-related systems.
Omen identified that buildings contain various fluid systems, ranging from HVAC setups to chip cooling mechanisms, prompting a strategic shift toward the data center sector.
Cory Rellas, a partner at Nava Ventures and board member at Omen, commented, “It’s uncommon to see a young founder command the respect of well-established companies in a traditionally slower-moving sector. For Omen, much of our diligence came from introductions to large clients, which swiftly validated their business approach.”
With a total of $40 million raised since its inception, Omen is already collaborating with multiple data center clients, including TensorWave, which is developing an AI computing cloud utilizing AMD processors.
“The fluids circulating in these vast systems are a crucial variable that many in the industry are handling blindly,” said Piotr Tomasik, president of TensorWave. “Omen shares our vision for infrastructure, emphasizing enhanced monitoring to optimally aid compute clients.”
Unlike many organizations that depend on mailing fluid samples to laboratories for evaluation, Omen is not alone in providing on-site analytics. Pyxis, an established water-monitoring company, recently launched its coolant monitoring solution tailored for data centers.
Key advancements in optical technology and signal processing software have made this approach possible. “The affordability of hardware now makes it feasible to operate at scale, while improvements in signal processing allow us to decipher the noise more effectively,” Laberge noted.
