AI Maps the Underground: Exodigo's Texas Deal to Modernize Infrastructure

PALO ALTO, CA – March 26, 2026 – A new contract awarded by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) is set to revolutionize how public infrastructure projects see what lies beneath the surface. Exodigo, an innovator in artificial intelligence and multi-sensor technology, has secured a cooperative contract that makes its advanced subsurface intelligence platform available to state, regional, and local government agencies across Texas and beyond.

The agreement, designated DIR-CPO-6009, streamlines procurement for Exodigo's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and digital surveying services. It allows public entities to bypass lengthy, complex bidding processes and gain direct access to a vetted solution for mapping the complex web of utilities, pipes, and cables hidden underground.

“Securing this DIR contract makes it significantly easier for public agencies to adopt modern, AI-driven approaches to understand underground infrastructure,” said Jeremy Suard, Co-Founder and CEO of Exodigo. “We’re excited to support government partners with faster, safer, and more cost-effective project delivery.”

This partnership arrives at a critical moment, as governments at all levels grapple with aging infrastructure and the immense costs associated with project delays and unforeseen complications.

The Hidden Crisis Beneath Our Feet

For decades, construction and public works projects have been plagued by a common, costly problem: the underground is a chaotic and poorly documented realm. Outdated paper maps, incomplete digital records, and the sheer density of overlapping utilities from different eras create a minefield of uncertainty for engineers and construction crews.

This lack of accurate subsurface information is a primary driver of project failure. Industry studies show that discrepancies between survey estimates and real-world ground conditions are a leading cause of budget overruns, accounting for up to 6% of a project's total contract value. Furthermore, over half of all project delays—which can stretch schedules by nearly 19%—are attributed to these underground surprises. In the world of large-scale infrastructure, where projects are often 20 months behind schedule and 80% over budget, these percentages translate into billions of dollars in wasted taxpayer money.

The consequences extend beyond financial waste. Unplanned utility strikes are a major safety hazard, posing risks of explosions, electrocutions, and service outages that can endanger workers and the public. With America's infrastructure continuing to age—the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) consistently highlights its vulnerability—the need for a better way to manage and build has never been more urgent.

Seeing the Unseen with AI and Multi-Sensing

Exodigo's approach directly confronts these challenges by moving beyond traditional, often unreliable methods. Instead of relying on a single technology like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) or simply digitizing old records, the company deploys a cart-based platform that combines multiple sensors—including GPR, magnetometers, and electromagnetic sensors—to collect a massive amount of raw data from a project site.

This is where the company's artificial intelligence engine becomes critical. The AI analyzes and fuses the overlapping data streams from the various sensors, identifying patterns and filtering out noise to create a single, comprehensive 3D map of the subsurface. This process can detect a wide range of buried assets, from plastic pipes and fiber optic cables to old clay conduits, regardless of their material composition.

Under the new DIR contract, agencies can access two key solutions:

• ExoInfo Composite Utility Map: An early-stage, remote analysis tool that fuses existing GIS data, historical records, and satellite imagery to provide an initial layer of intelligence. This helps teams identify potential conflicts and prioritize areas for further investigation before a single shovel hits the ground.
• Multi-Sensor Composite Utility Map: The on-site scanning solution that provides the high-confidence, detailed map of underground conditions. By rolling its sensor array over the surface, Exodigo creates a clear, consolidated digital twin of the underground without disruptive and expensive excavation.

By making the invisible visible, this technology fundamentally de-risks the initial phases of a project, giving planners and designers a level of certainty that was previously unattainable.

A Smarter Path for Public Projects

The significance of the Texas DIR contract extends beyond the technology itself; it represents a strategic shift in public procurement. The DIR's Cooperative Contracts Program is designed to help government agencies act more like agile, modern enterprises. By pre-negotiating contracts with innovative technology providers like Exodigo, the DIR provides a stamp of approval and a simplified purchasing path.

For a local public works department or a regional transit authority, this means they can adopt cutting-edge AI solutions without the prohibitive cost and time of a bespoke, months-long bidding and vetting process. The program leverages the collective purchasing power of the State of Texas, ensuring competitive pricing and compliance with state standards.

Moreover, the contract's inclusion in the Interstate Cooperative Contract (ICC) program means its benefits are not limited to Texas. Eligible public entities in other states can also use this contract to procure Exodigo's services, potentially creating a national model for how to accelerate infrastructure modernization. This streamlined approach is crucial for deploying federal funds from initiatives like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) efficiently and effectively.

Unearthing a Multi-Billion Dollar Market

For Exodigo, this contract is a landmark strategic victory. The global market for underground utility mapping is valued at over $4.5 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of over 10%. By securing a direct channel to the vast and historically hard-to-penetrate public sector, the company has positioned itself for significant growth.

Backed by over $200 million in funding from top-tier investors, Exodigo is poised to challenge a market long dominated by traditional surveying firms and hardware manufacturers. The company's competitive edge lies in its AI-powered, platform-based approach, which promises not just data collection but actionable intelligence.

The Texas DIR contract serves as powerful validation, signaling to government agencies nationwide that a new, more reliable standard for subsurface intelligence is now available. As states accelerate efforts to upgrade everything from transportation networks and energy grids to water systems, the ability to accurately map the ground beneath them will be fundamental to success. This partnership demonstrates a proactive step toward building smarter, safer, and more resilient infrastructure for the future.