Can AI revolutionize EPC?

Dec 11, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Alex Modon, co-founder and CEO of Unlimited Industries, sheds light on modernizing EPC projects through AI. He reveals how misaligned incentives and outdated contract structures contribute to cost overruns. Alex argues that treating projects like unique snowflakes stifles learning and efficiency. With his startup's innovative platform, he aims to streamline pre-construction processes and enhance design certainty. With an eye on the future, they plan to deliver their first project next year, revolutionizing the construction industry.

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INSIGHT

Perverse EPC Incentives Drive Overruns

EPC contracts are misaligned because many use cost-plus or tightly defined fixed-price models that reward slower, costlier execution.
This incentive structure motivates change orders and undermines efforts to build projects faster and cheaper.

INSIGHT

Snowflake Projects Prevent Learning

Projects are treated as one-off 'snowflakes' which prevents iterative learning and cost reduction across builds.
This lack of repeatability stops teams from finding global design optima and improving constructability over time.

ADVICE

Design Farther Upfront To Cut Risk

Push projects further through engineering so lenders see higher definition before funding to reduce later uncertainty.
Invest in getting to an issued-for-construction package to minimize change orders and risk during build.

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Big construction projects in the U.S. are notoriously unpredictable, often finishing over budget and behind schedule. Part of the problem is the inherent complexity of these kinds of projects, like data centers and first-of-a-kind plants. But there’s another problem: the companies that actually build these projects — called EPC firms for engineering, procurement, and construction — often lack strong incentives to control costs or deliver on time.

That’s the thesis behind Unlimited Industries, a new startup focused on using AI to develop multiple project designs upfront and reduce project risks. So what would it take to actually cut costs and shorten construction timelines?

In this episode, Shayle talks to Alex Modon, co-founder and CEO of Unlimited Industries. The company recently announced a $12 million fundraise as it emerged from stealth. Shayle and Alex cover topics like:

How EPC incentives and contract structures drive cost overruns

Why bespoke projects prevent learning and standardization

The role software and AI can play in design and risk reduction EPC

Managing risks – including geopolitics, contractor reliability, and supply chains

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Credits: Hosted by Shayle Kann. Produced and edited by Daniel Woldorff. Original music and engineering by Sean Marquand. Stephen Lacey is our executive editor.

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