Innovandi Open Challenge 2024, run by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), is now accepting applications. The pioneering international program brings together tech startups and leading manufacturers in the pursuit of net zero.
“Our industry is committed to achieving net zero and the development of carbon capture technology is a key part of that work. Our world leading Innovandi Open Challenge program has already seen remarkable progress being made in just two years, with startups and our member companies working together. We’re looking forward to seeing what this year’s applicants can bring, to build on the extensive work that is already underway across the world,” said Claude Loréa, the GCCA’s cement, innovation and ESG director.
Applications are being encouraged from startups interested in working on the development of carbon capture use and storage for low carbon cement and concrete. Innovative technologies are sought, which include process integrated and end-of-pipe CO2 capture and use, and help prevent the carbon being emitted into the atmosphere.
Selected startups will gain unique access to plants and labs, as well as expertise and infrastructure of 40 GCCA members across the world to showcase innovation status: move from ideas to prototype, pilot-tests, proofs of concepts, business cases. In other words, the program will provide startups with the access they need to grow.
This is the third Innovandi Open Challenge and builds on the success of previous years. The first challenge, in 2022, also focused on the development of carbon capture technology, and two startups have already gone to pilot stage. The 15 startups shortlisted in last year’s challenge, to work on the development of low carbon concrete, are currently in discussion with manufacturers about forming partnerships.
More information on the Innovandi Open Challenge can be found here.
