Sonic Fire Tech Raises $15M to Scale Sound-Powered Fire Protection Technology

Sonic Fire Tech Raises $15 Million to Scale Sound-Powered Fire Protection

Ohio-based fire protection startup Sonic Fire Tech has raised $15 million in funding to develop and commercialize a sound-powered fire suppression system designed to stop fires within seconds without the water or chemical damage associated with conventional systems.

The round was led by The O.H.I.O. Fund, with participation from Khosla Ventures.

The new financing brings Sonic Fire Tech's total funding to $18.5 million, following a $3.5 million seed round raised in October 2025.

The company plans to use the capital to expand its team and conduct the testing required to pursue approval from the National Fire Protection Association.

Using Sound to Suppress Fires

Founded by Geoff Bruder and his team, Sonic Fire Tech has developed an acoustic fire suppression system that uses sound waves to disrupt flames.

The system uses a sound generator connected to PVC pipes installed in a building's ceiling.

When sensors detect a fire, the system activates and sends infrasonic waves at approximately 20 Hz toward the flames.

Sonic Fire Tech says the system can respond within seconds and suppress fires without releasing water or chemicals into the surrounding environment.

The approach could potentially reduce the property damage and cleanup costs associated with traditional fire suppression systems.

Targeting Commercial and Residential Buildings

Sonic Fire Tech is developing systems for commercial buildings, kitchens, and homes, including both new construction and retrofit installations.

Commercial kitchens are a particular target because fires can result in significant cleanup and restoration costs.

The company says approximately 75% of commercial kitchens affected by fires do not reopen, highlighting the potential economic value of stopping fires before they become catastrophic.

Sonic Fire Tech is also developing technology for protecting homes from wildfires, although that work is progressing more slowly while the company waits for access to an appropriate testing facility.

Testing and Regulatory Approval

The new funding will help Sonic Fire Tech conduct the testing needed to pursue approval from the National Fire Protection Association, which develops model fire-safety codes used by fire departments across the United States.

The company expects its approval process could be shorter than the typical three-year timeline because its system does not leave water or chemical residue that would require cleanup during testing.

Regulatory approval will be an important milestone before the technology can achieve broader adoption.

Potential for Lithium-Ion Battery Fires

Sonic Fire Tech is also testing its system against lithium-ion battery fires, which can be particularly difficult to suppress.

The company says its early tests have not completely extinguished lithium-ion fires but have demonstrated the potential to contain them.

The goal is to prevent the fire from spreading between individual battery cells and limit the overall size of the fire.

Insurance Could Drive Adoption

Sonic Fire Tech is also speaking with insurance companies about whether its technology could qualify properties for lower insurance premiums.

Faster fire suppression and reduced property damage could make the technology attractive to insurers as well as building owners.

The company believes its systems could provide another layer of protection in kitchens and other high-risk areas where conventional sprinklers may not be sufficient for every type of fire.

Scaling a New Approach to Fire Protection

The new $15 million round gives Sonic Fire Tech additional capital to expand its team, complete testing, and move toward commercial deployment.

The company's technology still faces the challenge of proving its effectiveness across a wide range of real-world fire scenarios and securing the necessary regulatory approvals.

If successful, sound-based suppression could offer an alternative approach to fire protection that focuses on stopping fires quickly while reducing the collateral damage caused by traditional suppression systems.