Fifteen start-ups have been shortlisted by the GCCA (Global Cement & Concrete Association) from a global list of applications for its pioneering Innovandi Open Challenge scheme to work on developing low-carbon concrete for the world.
The GCCA and its member companies are on a mission to fully decarbonise concrete – the most used material on earth after water. Developing low-carbon concrete is a key part of making the world’s essential cement and concrete industry net zero by 2050, in line with the GCCA’sRoadmap.
The GCCA’s Innovandi Open Challenge brings together start-ups and the industry’s leading manufacturers to work together on innovative ways to cut emissions and accelerate progress.
Between March to May, applications were invited from start-ups interested in working on developing new materials and ingredients to make low-carbon concrete. Seventy applications were received from every region of the world.
The GCCA and its member companies have now drawn up a shortlist of fifteen of the most promising and deployable technologies. These start-ups will present their ideas at a pitch day later this week.
Those ultimately accepted for this year’s Innovandi Open Challenge will gain unique access to industry plants, labs, key networks and the expertise and infrastructure of the leading manufacturers.
Claude Loréa, GCCA Cement director and Innovation lead, said the GCCA and its member companies have been very impressed by the applications.
“We received more than 70 qualityapplications, so drawing up a shortlist was challenging. Developing low carbon concrete will require innovation and expertise to succeed, as our essential industry needs something easily scalable and affordable.”
“Those start-ups on the list demonstrated the most potential, and we look forward to hearing more about their ideas during this week’s pitch day. But we’ll also keep in touch with other start-ups who didn’t make this year’s shortlist, with future projects in mind.”
It is the second year the Innovandi Open Challenge has been running. The first programme, launched in 2021 and primarily focused on carbon capture and utilisation, has already seen two projects go to the pilot stage.
For more information about Innovandi Open Challenge, click here.
