More than 70 start-ups from around the world applied for the Global Cement and Concrete Association’s (GCCA) second Innovandi Open Challenge, which brings together cement and concrete manufacturers and tech start-ups to work on innovative ways to make low carbon concrete.
The first program, which launched in 2021 and primarily focused on carbon capture and utilization, has already seen two projects go to pilot stage.
“To receive more than 70 quality applications from start-ups for this year’s Innovandi Open Challenge is hugely encouraging and shows what level of interest and work is being done to help drive climate action, with applications received from every region of the world,” said GCCA Cement Director and Innovation Lead Claude Loréa.
“The focus of this year’s program – low carbon concrete – is technically challenging and will require innovation and expertise to succeed,” Loréa continued. “Our vital industry needs products which are affordable, scalable, and easily adopted. We look forward to sifting through the applications with our member companies and working with those who are selected.”
A shortlist will now be drawn up from applications by the GCCA and its member companies of the most promising and deployable technologies. Shortlisted start-ups will be invited to present their ideas at a pitch day on June 30, with consortium agreements expected to be signed in the fall.
GCCA and its members account for 80% of global cement production capacity outside of China, as well as some key Chinese manufacturers.
