Startups show off new technologies to decarbonize building at Holcim Accelerator Demo Days

• Nine startups from seven countries pitched to a panel of corporate partners
• Environmentalist Bertrand Piccard hailed the “boundary-pushing solutions”

3D-printed custom formwork and AI-powered supply chain software were among the new technologies on display during the annual Holcim Accelerator Demo Days. The six-month intensive accelerator program focused on the topic of carbon efficient construction. Nine startups from seven countries came together to explore breakthrough solutions to reduce carbon emissions at production, material, design and construction level.

Bertrand Piccard, Founder of the Solar Impulse Foundation: “I am impressed with the level of technical expertise and boundary-pushing solutions I saw at this year’s Demo Days. The Holcim Accelerator is a unique platform to foster collaboration between industry leaders and emerging disruptors, and I look forward to seeing how this season’s startups continue to grow.”

Edelio Bermejo, Head of Global R&D: “To decarbonize building end-to-end, we need to harness the power of open innovation and collaborate with the global startup ecosystem. Working with startups allows us to advance disruptive ideas and technologies that can accelerate the transition to a net-zero future. I am delighted to see the growth we’ve achieved during this third season of the Holcim Accelerator.”

During the Demo Days event, the startups pitched their solutions and demonstrated an MVP (minimum viable product) to stakeholders ranging from corporate executives to investors, as well as a jury including representatives from corporate partners. Participating startups included SAEKI, presenting a system for robotic manufacturing of 3D-printed custom concrete formwork, and Low-Carbon Materials, presenting a carbon negative lightweight aggregate that can be used to produce net-zero concrete blocks. The field also featured software-based solutions, including from ThroughPut AI, which uses AI-powered supply chain software that draws on existing industry data to accelerate material flow, optimizing costs and reducing CO2 emissions. iNex Circular presented a digital tool to locate waste sources in a given area and then identify potential partners and suppliers.

Since its launch in 2018, the Holcim Accelerator has supported more than 30 startups. In just the first two seasons, Holcim Accelerator startups have raised a total of more than EUR 50 million in funding and grants. This season, the program is led by Holcim with corporate partners Bouygues Construction, Mott MacDonald and Sika. Holcim is constantly strengthening its innovation network by partnering with hundreds of startups around the world that are experts in fields ranging from artificial intelligence to additive manufacturing.

More information on this season’s startups can be found here: https://www.holcim-accelerator.org/season-3

About Holcim

Holcim builds progress for people and the planet. As a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, Holcim is enabling greener cities, smarter infrastructure and improving living standards around the world. With sustainability at the core of its strategy Holcim is becoming a net zero company, with its people and communities at the heart of its success. The company is driving circular construction as a world leader in recycling to build more with less. Holcim is 70,000 people around the world who are passionate about building progress for people and the planet through four business segments: Cement, Ready-Mix Concrete, Aggregates and Solutions & Products.

Learn more about Holcim on www.holcim.com, and by following us on LinkedIn and Twitter
 

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