LafargeHolcim, the world’s leading provider of building materials and solutions, is working with previously featured startup, Leena AI, to solve relevant challenges during the Coronavirus pandemic. The collaboration is carried out through the corporate’s own Venture Client unit, LH Startup MAQER. Through the Venture Client Unit, LafargeHolcim purchases early startup solutions and tests them on real use cases via a well-managed pilot project. Together with Holcim Mexico, one of the LafargeHolcim arms, LH Startup MAQER initiated the pilot project with Leena AI, and in February introduced the AI-controlled virtual assistant IKTAN, which answers personnel questions for employees in Mexico.

Leena AI’s AI-controlled virtual assistant IKTAN, or chatbot, uses linguistic data processing to provide employees of global companies with answers about the Coronavirus. The chatbot draws on publications of the WHO and UNICEF. Leena AI’s chatbot is already used by 500,000 users in more than 130 countries. The chatbot wins customers over with its easy handling, mobile and desktop version, and click-based suggestions for frequent requests. Additionally, employees can reach out to the chatbot for inquiries regarding important HR topics like payroll, benefits, or holiday time. In turn, the chatbot can answer these questions and save HR teams a lot of time and energy.

LafargeHolcim is the world’s leading provider of building materials and solutions, and operates in four business areas: Cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, and solutions & products. With a strong global network of research and development facilities, LafargeHolcim serves customers with high quality and sustainable solutions in private, commercial and public construction. The driving objectives are the reduction of CO2 emissions and the transition to low carbon construction methods. LafargeHolcim employs over 70,000 people in more than 70 countries and has an equally balanced portfolio between developing and industrial markets.

LafargeHolcim and Leena AI found great success in their collaboration. While the initial project was solely carried out with Holcim Mexico, the insights gained through the pilot project proved this solution would be beneficial across continents. Therefore, Leena AI’s solution has been rolled out to help better support the needs of over 10,000 LafargeHolcim employees working across India, Africa, Europe and the Americas.