The Cemex Construction Startup Competition has officially closed applications for its landmark 10th edition, reaching 798 startup applications from around the world – the highest number received since the competition was established in 2017.
Cemex says that, compared to the previous edition, the competition achieved a 40.3% increase in applications, further strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading open innovation platforms dedicated to the construction industry.
It adds that the record-breaking edition reflects the accelerating pace of innovation across construction and sends a strong message to the market: the global ConTech and Cleantech ecosystem has never been more active.
Increasing numbers of entrepreneurs are developing technologies that address the industry’s biggest challenges, while major corporations continue embracing open innovation as a strategic driver of transformation.
For the past decade, Construction Startup Competition has connected promising startups with leading construction companies, investors, and decision-makers worldwide. Beyond visibility, the initiative has become a launchpad for emerging companies looking to validate technologies, secure pilot opportunities, establish commercial partnerships, and scale internationally.
After a series of promotional events and a well-coordinated marketing and communications campaign, the competition attracted applications from 62 countries. A total of 64% of applicant startups are based in Europe and North America, while the remaining applications came from APAC (23%), Latin America (7%), the Middle East (5%), and Africa (1%).
“One of the most notable outcomes of this year’s edition was the 181% increase in applications from startups based in Asia and Oceania. This strong growth supports the competition’s strategy of positioning itself as a gateway for APAC startups seeking to connect with leading global corporates, investors, and industry stakeholders, while expanding their reach into international markets,” said Miguel Carralón, Cemex investment & partnerships manager.
This year’s edition focused on five new strategic innovation areas aligned with the priorities of the sponsoring partners, while also reflecting the challenges and opportunities that resonate most strongly with startups. Preconstruction Tech accounted for 21.7% of all applications, followed by Jobsite Productivity & Building Systems, which attracted 32.5% of submissions. ClimateTech for the Built World represented 22.8% of applications, while Smart Manufacturing & Logistics accounted for 9.9%. Finally, Smart Buildings & Infrastructure made up 13% of all applications received.
The distribution of applications across these focus areas highlights the growing industry demand for solutions that enhance productivity, accelerate digital transformation, improve sustainability, and drive greater efficiency throughout the built environment value chain.
Following the application phase, participating partners will now evaluate submissions before selecting the startups advancing to this year’s international Pitch Days in Singapore (IBEW), Las Vegas (Trimble Dimensions), and Helsinki (Recotech & Slush).
“Receiving 798 applications, and surpassing last year’s participation by more than 40%, is a remarkable achievement for the Construction Startup Competition and for the entire construction innovation ecosystem. Ten years ago, we launched this initiative with the ambition of connecting visionary entrepreneurs with the companies shaping the future of construction,” said Jesús Ortiz, head of Cemex Ventures.
“Today, the record participation confirms that this vision is stronger than ever. It demonstrates not only the increasing relevance of the competition, but also the growing maturity of the global ConTech ecosystem and the industry’s willingness to embrace innovation through collaboration. We are incredibly proud of what this platform has become over the past decade and excited to discover the technologies and founders that will define the next generation of construction.”
Since its first edition in 2017, startups from more than 80 countries have participated in the biggest challenge aimed at startups in the construction industry, the Construction Startup Competition. Many startups have gone on to collaborate with the participating companies after applying to the competition.
