Smart Steel Technologies

High-Level Overview

Smart Steel Technologies (SST) is a Berlin-based software company founded in 2019 that develops AI-based solutions for optimizing steel manufacturing processes.[1][2][3] It serves major steel producers like ArcelorMittal and Vallourec, addressing inefficiencies in energy use, CO2 emissions, product quality, and production planning across steel mills in Europe, North and South America, and Asia.[1][2] SST's ready-to-use products, such as schedulers for short-term and long-term planning, material allocators, surface quality inspectors, and temperature controls, enable real-time calculations for precise steel chemistry, process control, and synchronized production chains, helping mills operate more efficiently, safely, and sustainably.[1][4] Backed by Heraeus as its largest shareholder since February 2023, SST demonstrates strong growth through global adoption and an interdisciplinary team of AI experts, metallurgists, and engineers.[1][2]

Origin Story

SST was founded in 2019 in Berlin, Germany, by Dr. Christian Schorr, who serves as Founder, Majority Owner, and CEO.[2][3] Schorr brings a Ph.D. in Mathematics and an M.Sc. in Computer Science from TU Berlin, with prior experience as Founder and CEO of CeleraOne (acquired by Axel Springer SE) and expertise in large-scale machine learning research and software engineering.[2] The idea emerged from recognizing the "last efficiency frontier" in steel manufacturing, combining AI, mathematical modeling, and deep steel domain knowledge to tackle complex challenges like real-time optimization and production scheduling.[1][2] Early traction built on Schorr's tech background and a team including a VP of Metallurgy with 20 years at SMS group (Ph.D. from RWTH Aachen), a North America Managing Director with steel data experience (Ph.D. in Theoretical Chemistry), and machine learning specialists.[2] Pivotal growth came with Heraeus joining as the largest shareholder in February 2023, expanding reach to global steelmakers.[1]

Core Differentiators

SST stands out in the steel tech space through these key strengths:

• AI-powered, ready-to-use software products tailored for every production stage, including SST Short-Term Scheduler, Long Product Scheduler, Mid-Term Planner, Material Allocator, Surface Quality inspector, and Temperature Control—delivering real-time optimization for energy, yield, quality, and CO2 reduction without custom development.[1][4]
• Deep interdisciplinary expertise blending AI, mathematics, physics, and metallurgy (e.g., 20+ years in steel mill optimization), enabling precise solutions for complex tasks like synchronized chain planning and steel chemistry control.[1][2]
• Proven real-world impact with customers like ArcelorMittal and Vallourec across long/flat steel products and coils, improving efficiency, profitability, safety, and environmental performance in operational mills.[1]
• Global scalability and support, headquartered in Berlin with a Cincinnati office, backed by Heraeus and investors like LEA Partners, plus a strong advisory board from industry leaders (e.g., former Heraeus CIOs).[1][2]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

SST rides the green steel and Industry 4.0 wave, applying AI to decarbonize and digitize a carbon-intensive sector facing regulatory pressures like EU emissions trading and net-zero mandates.[1] Timing aligns with steelmakers' urgent need for efficiency amid volatile energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and competition from low-carbon alternatives—SST's tools directly cut CO2, energy use, and waste while boosting quality and throughput.[1][4] Market forces favoring SST include rising AI adoption in heavy industry (e.g., via mathematical modeling for scheduling) and investor interest in deep tech for sustainability, as seen with Heraeus' stake.[1][2] By enabling "green steel" transitions for giants like ArcelorMittal, SST influences the ecosystem, setting standards for AI-driven optimization and helping traditional manufacturers stay competitive against electric arc furnaces and hydrogen-based processes.[1]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

SST is poised for accelerated expansion as steel decarbonization accelerates, with potential to capture more market share through new products in predictive maintenance or hydrogen integration, leveraging its Berlin-Cincinnati footprint and Heraeus network.[1][2] Trends like AI advancements in real-time simulation and global "green steel" mandates (e.g., post-2025 policies) will amplify its role, possibly drawing further acquisitions or partnerships amid steel's $1T+ market.[1] Its influence may evolve from niche optimizer to ecosystem leader, empowering producers worldwide to meet profitability and sustainability goals—reinforcing its claim as the world's leading steel AI provider.[1]