Sonic Fire Tech secures $15 million for acoustic fire suppression technology
The O.H.I.O. Fund leads a funding round for Sonic Fire Tech, which aims to disrupt traditional fire protection by using infrasonic waves to extinguish flames without collateral damage.
Sonic Fire Tech, an Ohio-based startup, has raised $15 million in a funding round led by the O.H.I.O. Fund, with participation from Khosla Ventures. The capital will support the company’s development of an acoustic fire suppression system that uses infrasonic waves to extinguish fires within seconds, aiming to eliminate the water and chemical damage associated with traditional methods. This latest investment follows a $3.5 million seed round raised in October.
The technology employs a sound generator to pump inaudible infrasonic waves, operating at approximately 20 Hz, through PVC pipes installed in ceilings. When room sensors detect a fire, the system deploys these waves to suppress flames without leaving behind the mess typical of sprinkler or chemical systems. Co-founder and CEO Geoff Bruder stated that the absence of cleanup requirements in laboratory tests could significantly accelerate the approval process from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), potentially shortening the standard three-year timeline.
Commercial kitchens represent a primary target for the technology, given the high rates of business closure following fire events. Remington Bixby Hotchkis, the company’s chief operating officer, noted that approximately 75% of commercial kitchens do not reopen after a fire due to extensive restoration costs. Bruder highlighted that kitchen fires account for 50% of home fires, arguing that current sprinkler systems are often inadequate for grease or electrical incidents common in these environments.
The startup is also exploring applications for lithium-ion battery fires, which are notoriously difficult to extinguish. Early tests indicate that while the system does not fully extinguish such fires, it can contain them by preventing the outer casing from igniting, potentially stopping cell-to-cell spread. Development of an exterior system for wildfire-prone areas is ongoing, although progress has been slower due to limited access to suitable testing facilities.
Insurers are engaging with Sonic Fire Tech regarding potential premium discounts, a factor that could drive market adoption. With around 500 jurisdictions currently mandating interior fire protection systems, the company is positioning its technology as a viable alternative for both new construction and retrofits in commercial buildings, apartments, and homes.
