Jad Jarroush stands out as a pioneer in the world of construction technology. As the founder and Chief Technology Officer of Datumate, he transforms how infrastructure projects unfold across the globe. Born and raised in the Middle East, Jarroush combines deep expertise in geo-information engineering with a vision for innovation and social harmony. His journey from a small-town surveyor to a leader in drone-based analytics inspires many. Through Datumate, he empowers teams to build smarter, faster, and more collaboratively.
Jad Jarroush entered the world in 1977 in Nazareth, a historic city in northern Israel. His family instilled a strong value for education from the start. His mother worked as a schoolteacher, nurturing young minds, while his father rose to become the Northern District Manager for Israel’s Tax Authority. This environment fueled Jarroush’s curiosity and ambition.
He pursued civil engineering at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, a top institution in the region. Jarroush earned his Bachelor’s degree in Geodetic Engineering in 2001, followed by a Master’s in 2003. He didn’t stop there; by 2007, he completed his PhD in Mapping and Geo-Information Engineering. During his studies, professors like Binyamin Schmutter sparked his interest in emerging tools, such as drones for precise measurements. Jarroush recalls how these ideas seemed futuristic but planted seeds for his future innovations. Balancing academics with real-world experience, he became a certified surveyor, honing skills that would define his career.
Launching a Career in Engineering
Jarroush dived into practical work early on. He served as a project engineer and chief surveyor on major Israeli infrastructure ventures, including the Carmel Tunnels and the Trans-Israel Highway. These projects taught him the challenges of traditional surveying – time-consuming manual processes, errors, and delays. He specialized in dynamic cadastral systems and integrated Building Information Modeling (BIM) into civil engineering, streamlining complex tasks.
In 2009, Jarroush founded Geo-Point, a geo-technology firm focused on geodetic engineering and land surveying. Starting small, he grew it to employ around 70 people, establishing it as a leader in Israel’s geospatial sector. Two years later, in 2011, he launched PTC Models for Construction, the first company in Israel dedicated to BIM for civil infrastructure. Jarroush pushed boundaries, introducing handheld laser scanners for indoor mapping and making advanced tools more accessible. His efforts reduced professional service costs by over 20 percent, proving that innovation could disrupt even conservative industries.
Founding Datumate and Pioneering Tech
With a passion for efficiency, Jarroush founded Datumate in 2012. Based initially in Nazareth and later in Yokne’am, the company develops a cloud-based platform called DatuBIM. This tool uses drones, AI, and photogrammetry to create 4D analytics for construction sites. Teams capture aerial images, which the platform turns into 3D models, progress reports, and alerts. Jarroush oversees all scientific and technological aspects as CTO, drawing on his background to ensure accuracy and usability.
Datumate addresses real pain points in infrastructure projects. It digitizes sites, reduces rework, and fosters collaboration among stakeholders. Jarroush emphasizes a proactive mindset: “Throughout my career, I’ve always pushed forward and learned on the go.” He identifies underdeveloped areas for disruption, prioritizing quality and time savings. In 2012, he introduced drone-based surveying in Israel, a move that fast-forwarded project timelines worldwide. Today, Datumate partners with global firms and serves departments of transportation, contractors, and engineering companies.
Notable Projects and Achievements
Jarroush’s work shines through Datumate’s impactful projects. One standout is the multi-year tender with Deutsche Bahn AG, Germany’s railway giant. Datumate won the contract in 2022 to monitor railway infrastructure using drone images. The platform generates as-built 3D models, compares progress against plans, and provides automated reports. This setup boosts efficiency, quality control, and scheduling while cutting costs. Teams now supervise remotely, detect deviations early, and ensure bills align with work done.
Another key case involves Pihl Excavating, a U.S.-based firm. Partnering with FlyGuys for drone data capture, they used DatuBIM to slash onsite time by at least 50 percent. The tool streamlined material management, enhanced safety by minimizing manual inspections, and improved accuracy in volume calculations. Real-time insights reduced delays and surprises, keeping projects on budget.
Datumate’s use cases further highlight its versatility. In fence replacement projects, it calculates precise change orders for custom installations. Deviation detection saved one client $40,000 by spotting issues early through 3D modelling. For construction site management, aerial mapping replaces foot surveys, enabling remote progress tracking. Pre-construction validation replicates sites digitally, while simplified billing verifies work in complex supply chains. These examples show how Jarroush’s tech turns challenges into opportunities, saving time and money.
Fostering Coexistence and Giving Back
Beyond business, Jarroush commits to social good in the Middle East. As an Arab-Israeli, he feels a responsibility to his community. “I felt a responsibility to give back to the Arab society from which I come,” he says. His companies employ diverse teams – Arabs, Jews, Druze, and others – promoting respectful collaboration. Jarroush believes daily interactions build shared interests and a fairer society. Through economic empowerment, he bridges divides, showing tech can unite people.
He volunteers for charities and mentors young engineers, passing on his knowledge. Jarroush’s approach blends innovation with humanity, proving success involves more than profits.
A Vision for the Future
Jad Jarroush continues to lead Datumate toward new horizons. With backing from investors like Battery Ventures, the company expands globally, tackling bigger infrastructure needs. Jarroush envisions a world where construction is seamless, safe, and inclusive. His story reminds us that one person’s drive can reshape an industry. In the Middle East and beyond, he builds not just structures, but stronger communities.
