CRH Ventures launches “Sustainable Building Materials” accelerator to scale innovative startups shaping the future of the built world
Published by Alfie Lloyd-Perks,
Editorial Assistant
World Cement,
CRH is leading the transition to smarter, more sustainable construction and the Sustainable Building Materials accelerator will target promising Seed-, Series A- and Series B-stage companies in the construction technology (“contech”) and climate tech space with market-ready products. The program aims to identify innovative materials and applications to lower emissions, reduce waste and improve energy use - leveraging CRH’s extensive network and expertise to drive forward innovative and sustainable solutions for the built environment.
The accelerator will focus on exploring three key areas to enable more sustainable construction:
- Sustainable binder solutions — companies enhancing the carbon performance and / or the circularity of traditional cement or concrete materials.
- New materials and applications — companies developing novel materials or new applications of existing materials to create non-traditional solutions for cement or concrete applications.
- CO2 mineralised materials — companies utilising CO2 in binders, aggregates, waste feedstocks or concrete to develop building materials or products that also offer carbon storage.
This accelerator will identify startups poised to capitalize on the significant market opportunity decarbonization represents and support them as they develop and scale their operations. CRH Ventures will arrange one or more pilot programs for each shortlisted applicant, providing commercial users for products and facilitating technology refinement and engagement with selected partners in the construction space. Startups will also gain broader access to CRH’s network of 200+ operating companies, gaining insight from CRH experts and exploring synergies as they scale their technologies. Participants in the accelerator will also be eligible for potential investments from CRH Ventures at the conclusion of the pilot programs.
Eduardo Gomez, Head of CRH Ventures, said: “There’s an incredible opportunity to reduce construction-related emissions and enhance circularity through innovation. At CRH, we’re uniquely positioned to support the development of sustainable and innovative solutions and technologies to meet the changing needs of construction. In launching the Sustainable Building Materials accelerator, we plan to identify the most impactful innovations, and drive their commercial development through our network to support the construction industry to decarbonize and help CRH achieve its 2050 net-zero ambition.”
The accelerator will be accepting applicants via the CRH Ventures website through 16 December . The selection process will continue throughout November and December, and will culminate in a live pitch day in early February 2025 for the most promising 10 – 12 startups.
Launched in 2022, CRH Ventures has established itself as a leader in construction innovation, with access to a $250-million venturing & innovation investment fund and a growing group of portfolio companies innovating across the construction value chain.
The Sustainable Building Materials program is CRH Ventures’ third accelerator. Earlier this year, it successfully launched the Roads of the Future accelerator to identify leading innovations with potential to impact the roads ecosystem and in 2023, it launched a Water Solutions accelerator focused on technologies that address a range of water management challenges.
Click here for free registration to World Cement
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/24102024/crh-ventures-launches-sustainable-building-materials-accelerator-to-scale-innovative-startups-shaping-the-future-of-the-built-world/
You might also like
World Cement Podcast
In the latest episode of the World Cement Podcast, Senior Editor David Bizley is joined by Dr Andrew Minson of the GCCA to discuss the ins and outs of the recently launched Low Carbon Ratings (LCR) system.
Molins announce first quarter results
Net profit reached €48 million, equivalent to earnings per share of 0.73 euros, 6% lower than the same period of the previous year.
