Global Innovation Challenge launches a new search for AI solutions that enable low-carbon cement and concrete 

The Innovandi Open Challenge is GCCA’s industry accelerator which partners start-ups with member companies to develop and scale technologies to help the industry reach net zero 

London, 22 June 2026 –  The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) is inviting start-ups to submit entries for its Innovandi Open Challenge 2026, with a focus on using artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate the decarbonisation of the world’s two most essential construction materials. Winning technologies are expected to build on AI’s existing deployment in the industry, from enhancing cement and concrete mixes, to optimising manufacturing processes and reducing environmental impacts. 

Submissions should impact cement manufacturing or concrete production, or both, and could cover solutions including:

Announced at the GCCA’s event at London Climate Action Week, Thomas Guillot, Chief Executive of the GCCA, commented: “Innovation and new technologies can be transformative, particularly for crucial industries that have existed for hundreds of years. Cement and concrete play a vital role in enabling a resilient and sustainable world, which is why our members embrace cutting edge solutions to ensure that the industry continues to evolve and decarbonise. 

“Our Open Challenge is a first of its kind, industry-led accelerator and over the past four years we have seen a variety of exciting new technologies being explored. We are now calling for start-ups with ingenious AI solutions to come and join us in our journey towards net zero concrete.”

The GCCA and its members understand the key role that innovation will play in unlocking a net zero future for concrete, which is why successful companies will gain unique access to the expertise and infrastructure of more than 40 members worldwide. Through collaborative partnerships, our members will help them test and develop their ideas in a commercial environment, and adapt them with insight from their target market. 

Since the Open Challenge’s creation four years ago, it has been a very successful platform with over 300 start-ups applying for the programme globally. Following a rigorous evaluation and pitch process, 15 start-ups have formed consortia with member companies and are actively developing their technologies.

Start-ups can find more information and apply to take part in the Innovandi Open Challenge by going to the GCCA Open Challenge 2026 webpage.

The 2026 Open Challenge was formally launched at the GCCA’s Building the Sustainable Future: Pathways to low-carbon cement and concrete event at London Climate Action Week.

Quotes from Open Challenge start-ups:

“Alithic is part of the 2025 cohort of the GCCA Innovandi Challenge. We make a carbon negative cement replacement, with no green premium. We can only warmly recommend participating to the GCCA Innovandi Challenge, as it allows start-ups like Alithic to develop key relationships with leading cement and concrete companies. This programme facilitates meeting technical and commercial milestones.” Quentin Philippe, CEO, Alithic

“We see the Innovandi Open Challenge as a unique opportunity to engage directly with key industry stakeholders, validate our technology, and build strong partnerships. It’s an excellent platform to accelerate both innovation and deployment in the cement and concrete sector.” Andreas Bremen,CEO & Founder, Co-reactive 

“The Innovandi Open Challenge put RockXtract in the room with the people who will ultimately license, scale, and deploy the next generation of low-carbon cement. If you are a startup serious about changing this industry, there is no better place to start.” Peter Rendel, CEO, RockXtract