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 the production, material, design and construction level.
Bertrand Piccard, founder of the Solar Impulse Foundation, said: “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, Holcim head of Global R&D, said: “To decarbonise 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, optimising 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.
Holcim is constantly strengthening its innovation network by partnering with hundreds of startups worldwide that are experts in fields ranging from artificial intelligence to additive manufacturing. Since its launch in 2018, the Holcim Accelerator has supported more than 30 startups. Holcim Accelerator startups have raised more than €50mn in funding and grants in just the first two seasons. This season, the program is led by Holcim with corporate partners Bouygues Construction, Mott MacDonald and Sika.
More information on this season’s startups can be found at https://www.holcim-accelerator.org/season-3
