At Phoenix Boring, our mission is to revolutionize the way underground infrastructure is built. We tackle the most challenging geological conditions—whether it’s hard rock, unstable waterlogged soils, or dense urban environments—with our cutting-edge trenchless technology that minimizes disruption to communities and the environment.
The traditional methods of underground construction often face three major obstacles: excessive cost, significant disruption, and the inability to handle complex geologies. Open-cut methods are too invasive, causing major disruptions to daily life, while existing trenchless solutions are either prohibitively expensive or ineffective in difficult ground conditions. Phoenix Boring has solved these problems by developing a versatile, efficient, and scalable trenchless platform that can handle any geology, bore any size, and execute projects up to nine times faster than conventional methods. Our technology not only reduces the cost of underground construction but also opens up new possibilities for infrastructure development in areas where it was previously deemed too difficult or expensive.
Our team is composed of industry experts who have dedicated their careers to advancing trenchless technology. We’ve leveraged this deep expertise to create a tech-enabled construction service that is both innovative and practical, delivering immediate value on every project. With a proven track record of over 30 successful crossings, we are positioned to lead the market in trenchless solutions, setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and minimal disruption.
At Phoenix Boring, we’re not just changing the way underground infrastructure is built—we’re ensuring that it’s done faster, safer, and with a commitment to protecting the communities we serve.
Phoenix Boring is led by Roberto Zillante, an industry expert with over a decade of experience in trenchless technology. Roberto has played a pivotal role in advancing trenchless methodologies, from equipment development to successful field execution. His expertise spans across leading roles in both technical innovation and project management, particularly in developing cutting-edge trenchless solutions that have been recognized and adopted by the industry.
Beyond his technical and operational achievements, Roberto has made significant academic contributions to the field. He has served as a professor of trenchless methods at a top university, imparting his knowledge to the next generation of engineers. Roberto is also a frequent lecturer at international conferences, both within and outside the trenchless industry, sharing insights from his extensive experience. Additionally, he is a member of the board of directors of the Latin American Society for Trenchless Technology (LAMSTT), where he plays an active role in guiding the direction of the industry.
Before founding Phoenix Boring, Roberto co-founded Zilper Trenchless, where he spearheaded the development of the innovative Assisted Dynamic Boring (ADB) technology, which has been officially recognized by the International Society for Trenchless Technology. Throughout his career, Roberto has contributed to numerous successful projects and holds multiple patents in trenchless technology, reinforcing his status as a leader in the field.
Phoenix Boring emerged from a deep-rooted commitment to revolutionizing the trenchless technology industry. Roberto Zillante, a leading expert in trenchless solutions, initially co-founded Zilper Trenchless in 2018, driving the development of groundbreaking technologies that quickly gained industry recognition and awards. After Zilper's success, the company was acquired by Petra, where Roberto served as CTO, focusing on the creation of a versatile multi-platform trenchless system. He also spearheaded the development of the next generation of jet boring technology, further solidifying his reputation as an innovator in the field.
Phoenix Boring was founded on a commitment to advancing trenchless technology and overcoming the industry's toughest challenges. Roberto Zillante, a recognized leader in the field, co-founded Zilper Trenchless in 2018, where he developed pioneering technologies that were quickly adopted by the industry. After Zilper was acquired by Petra, Roberto played a key role as CTO, leading the development of a versatile multi-platform trenchless system and the next generation of jet boring technology.Following Petra’s operational wind down in 2024, Roberto made the bold decision to purchase the only two Multi-platform ADB48 machines in the U.S. from Petra, using his personal savings. With limited financial resources, he successfully completed a challenging 500ft long main gas pipeline project for PG&E in California, navigating difficult and changing ground conditions. This success story, combined with Roberto’s unwavering commitment to his work, attracted capital from investors who believed in the potential of his innovations. With their support, Roberto acquired the remaining relevant assets from Petra, including the majority of the intellectual property and hard assets, and founded Phoenix Boring Inc. Today, Phoenix Boring is set to transform underground infrastructure projects with its cutting-edge, adaptable, and cost-effective trenchless solutions.
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