Mistify AI targets PM 2.5 and PM 10 with smart misting system

Mistify AI, a clean-tech startup supported by of Oxford Brookes University, has unveiled an autonomous dust-suppression system designed to curb particulate pollution from construction and industrial sites. The system combines artificial intelligence, patented nozzle design and solar-powered atomised misting to reduce harmful dust particles at source.

According to government figures, air pollution contributes to up to 36,000 premature deaths in the UK every year, with construction activities accounting for around 18 percent of large particle pollution nationally and 30 percent in London. Silica dust exposure alone kills more than 500 UK construction workers annually. Against this backdrop, Mistify’s launch comes as policymakers prepare to debate the Clean Air Bill, which would establish clean air as a human right, and as the UK sets its target of reducing PM 2.5 emissions by 35 percent by 2040.

Breakthrough results in proof-of-concept testing

Mistify’s prototype units demonstrated an 84 percent average reduction in PM 2.5 and a 73 percent reduction in PM 10 particulates during proof-of-concept trials. The system uses embedded sensors, laser monitors and cameras to assess local air quality alongside environmental conditions such as wind and humidity. Machine-learning algorithms then predict when air quality may deteriorate, triggering ultra-fine mist dispersal that binds to airborne particles and brings them to the ground.

Unlike traditional water-based dust control, which is often wasteful and inefficient, the Mistify system uses an optimised spray pattern to cut water use by up to 80 percent. The fine atomisation also ensures that suppression targets only high-risk zones, avoiding unnecessary wetting of surfaces and reducing energy consumption.

“An invisible killer, air pollution is one of the most insidious environmental threats of our time. Often under-monitored, and under regulated, fine particulate matter and dust poses a threat just as serious and far-reaching as growing carbon emissions yet receive significantly less attention,” said Nishika Mehta, Co-Founder & COO of Mistify AI. “Meeting the soaring demand for future-ready urban infrastructure shouldn’t come at the expense of our health or climate. Our cutting-edge technology enables forward-thinking construction firms to curb harmful pollutants, safeguard workers, and drive the much-needed shift toward cleaner, more sustainable cities.”

Data-driven compliance for project managers

With integrated IoT connectivity, each unit feeds data on local air quality to a cloud-based dashboard. Project managers can track real-time particulate levels, measure compliance against local standards and export reports for regulators. This functionality supports firms looking to meet tightening regulatory frameworks while improving environmental performance.

Air quality monitoring on construction sites has historically been inconsistent. By combining active suppression with live measurement, Mistify aims to give contractors a transparent method for reducing risks to both workers and communities.

Expanding footprint across UK and India

Mistify AI has received backing from Enterprise Oxfordshire, the Oxfordshire Greentech network and the British Library’s Business & IP Centre. The startup also works with Oxford City Council and has been recognised with two awards at the 2025 Southern Enterprise Awards for ‘AI-Powered Climate Tech Innovators of the Year’ and ‘Environmental Impact Excellence Award’.

Internationally, Mistify is building partnerships in India, where 99 percent of the population is exposed to unsafe PM 2.5 levels. Its technology aligns with the country’s National Clean Air Programme, which prioritises scalable and cost-effective pollution control. Mistify is also engaging with climate-tech trade missions, including participation in Innovate UK’s Global Business Innovation Programme for India and representation at the China International Fair for Investment and Trade.

The company has also been selected by the AIC-Nalanda Institute of Technology Foundation, part of the Atal Innovation Mission, a flagship innovation initiative of the Government of India.

Funding plans for next stage development

Mistify has announced a seed funding target of £1.5 million to finance the engineering of its next-generation product, secure CE and UL certifications, and extend development and testing of its prototypes. By pairing scalable clean-air technology with the growing demand for healthier urban infrastructure, the startup positions itself at the intersection of construction, environmental health and smart city innovation.

With particulate pollution increasingly recognised as a public health and climate justice issue, the emergence of intelligent, resource-efficient suppression systems such as Mistify’s may provide construction firms with practical tools to meet future standards and societal expectations.