India’s building materials sector witnessed the debut of a new digital assistant with the launch of MatGenie at the ZAK Expo in Mumbai. Developed by Aludecor, MatGenie is designed to support architects, developers, contractors and fabricators in making faster, clearer material-related decisions - at a time when construction projects are increasingly challenged by cost pressures, safety requirements and performance expectations.
The launch attracted steady interest at the expo, drawing industry professionals keen to understand how an AI-driven assistant could integrate into their daily workflows. Visitors engaged with the tool to test whether an app could realistically guide decisions that are often influenced by site conditions, climate, design intent, regulatory norms and budget constraints.
Speaking at the launch, Saurav Kabra, Director at Aludecor, said MatGenie was created to simplify the complexity surrounding material selection. “Every project must respond to climate conditions, safety regulations and performance benchmarks,” he noted. “These challenges are constant in our industry. MatGenie is intended to bring clarity and speed to such decisions.”
MatGenie operates through a simple conversational interface. Users describe a project scenario or challenge and the tool responds with explanations that connect material characteristics to real-world conditions. It allows comparisons across cladding materials, insulation options and façade systems, while grounding its guidance in building codes, fabrication practices and architectural fundamentals.
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At the expo, professionals tested MatGenie with questions commonly raised during early-stage planning. Queries ranged from identifying suitable cladding materials for coastal, high-humidity environments to understanding long-term maintenance differences between ACP panels and other façade systems. Others explored thermal and acoustic performance considerations, as well as structural and wind-load implications.
The tool responded with step-by-step explanations, avoiding technical jargon while clearly outlining trade-offs. Users noted its ability to break complex decisions into manageable components, referencing factors such as fire ratings, climate exposure, load paths and cost ranges.
Several industry leaders shared early reactions. Ar. Prasanna Wategaonkar of HOSMAC India said the tool brings much-needed structure to material decision-making - “Our industry waited for support that can sort complex choices,” he said.
Vicky Vora of V3 Facade Design Studio highlighted its value in explaining material behaviour - critical for façade engineering. Architects Harsh Pote and Gaurav Sanghvi of Pentaspace, Mumbai, added that MatGenie can accelerate material exploration during the design phase and help bridge the gap between design intent and on-site realities.
According to Aludecor, what differentiates MatGenie is its neutral approach. Although developed by the company, the tool spans a wide range of materials beyond ACP sheets, including concrete, steel, tiles, insulation systems, and various façade solutions. The company also confirmed that MatGenie will remain in continuous training mode, evolving alongside new standards, materials, and construction practices.
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Designed for inclusivity, MatGenie aims to support all stakeholders - from architects and fabricators to contractors and even homeowners - by centralising reliable material knowledge into a single, accessible interface.
The launch also reflects a broader shift in the construction industry, where digital tools are moving beyond design and project management into AI-driven intelligence. Subash Gaijes of Nippon Paints India said initiatives like MatGenie elevate the digital maturity of the entire ecosystem, while Prasanna Bhakre of PPG Paints India noted its potential to improve decision-making early in the project lifecycle.
For Aludecor, MatGenie represents another step in its journey toward knowledge-led leadership in the ACP and façade materials space. As Gautam Saraswat, Marketing Head at Aludecor, explained, the tool is intended to serve as an unbiased, practical guide for the wider industry - signalling the beginning of a larger digital transformation.
At the expo, many visitors said they saw MatGenie’s potential but also asked if the tool would keep pace with rapid changes in building materials. Company officials said regular updates will ensure the assistant stays aligned with new codes, fire safety rules, environmental demands and evolving design methods.
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In a sector that often deals with complex trade-offs, an assistant like MatGenie might soon become a common presence on project sites and design desks. Its success will depend on how well it adapts to India’s fast-changing construction landscape and how much trust it earns from the people who shape that landscape every day.
Note: This article has been issued by Aludecor and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.
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