The Innovandi Open Challenge is a global programme which brings together tech start-ups and the world’s leading cement and concrete companies to help accelerate the next wave of innovations to achieve our net zero mission.
The GCCA and its members understand the key role that innovation will play in unlocking a net zero future for concrete, the world’s most used material after water, which is essential to building the sustainable world of tomorrow.
We know the importance of partnering with start-ups, investors, accelerators and academic institutions to bring innovative products and ideas to market. GCCA members, leaders in the sector who operate in almost every country across the globe, are extending their reach beyond their own R&D boundaries to enrich their innovation ecosystem in order to help achieve the vital mission of carbon neutrality.
Our Open Challenge seeks to accelerate the technologies that will help us in securing a net zero future. We are looking to partner with the brightest and the best start-ups across the world who have solutions to decarbonise our materials and processes.
THE 2026 OPEN CHALLENGE
This year, we are challenging the start-up world to submit innovations that will help drive the digital transformation and decarbonisation of the cement and concrete industry. So, if you’re a start-up working on AI solutions for our industry that can help transform the way we build, create and live, then apply now.
2026 Open Challenge Topic: AI solutions for low-carbon cement and concrete
Deadline for entries: 20 August 2026
What’s in it for you?
Selected start-ups will gain unique access to plants and labs through this program, as well as the expertise and infrastructure of 40 members across the world to showcase their innovative ideas. Through collaboration, start-ups will be able to: move from ideas to prototypes, pilot-tests, proofs of concepts, and business cases. In other words, the program will provide start-ups with the access they need to grow.
Throughout the program duration, start-ups will receive guidance from the GCCA and its industrial members or nominated lead experts to help them progress in the industrialisation of their technology, develop new technologies and/or define new business cases with one or several industrial members. Members of the GCCA and its members will internally manage the project (or in partnership with other business partners) with each selected start-up and offer resources, support and coaching to co-develop the business.
Further collaboration for each project will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
When selected, start-ups will be expected to:
- Sign an NDA with the GCCA on behalf of GCCA members – IP belonging to start-ups.
- Collaborate on defining the program (2-3 meetings over the summer)
- When onboarded on the program, agree the goal upon together with our industrial partners
- Participate in a final demo day.
Being selected to onboard the GCCA Innovandi Open Challenge program will offer selected start-ups a high visibility in the cement and concrete sector, as well as equipment manufacturers, broader value chain players, investors and wider stakeholders.
If you want to be part of the cement and concrete industry’s journey to net zero and receive support from the largest producers in the world, apply for the Innovandi Open Challenge.