Applying for the Innovandi Open Challenge 2025 is
a straightforward process
What are we looking for – criteria:
- AI / ML–based solutions with a clear and credible decarbonisation lever, including:
- Low-clinker and low-carbon materials & mix design (explicitly separated: not all low-carbon solutions are clinker-based, e.g. alternative binders or SCM heavy systems)
- Kiln, fuel, energy, and process optimisation
- Production control and semi-/autonomous operations
- CO₂ measurement, prediction, and product carbon footprint optimisation
- ML-Optimised Mixes, IoT-Enabled Process Control, and Robotics-Driven Production Efficiency
- Feasibility & clear industrial deployment
- Other judging criteria:
- Innovative and unique
- Level of Automation & System Integration
- Sustainability and Environmental impact:
- Reduction in CO₂ emissions (cement optimisation)
- Waste minimization and recycling
- Energy-efficient processes
What we are NOT looking for in this challenge:
- Standard mix proportioning methods without machine learning optimization
- Non-AI tools (pure IT, dashboards, reporting)
- Generic Construction Tech, construction-site or building-design solutions
- New materials, additives or SCMs etc.
- Carbon capture, use and storage via mineralisation technologies, carbon accounting / reporting tools
- Academic research without a realistic industrial scale-up pathway
What happens next?
Once you have submitted your entry, our team will be in touch with you should there be an further questions. We will thoroughly evaluate all the entries into the challenge and after rigorous evaluations with GCCA members, we will announce the shortlisted start-ups. Shortlisted start-ups will be invited to a formal pitch to GCCA members.
Successful start-ups will be partnered with GCCA members to form consortia and enter into formal working partnerships.
Timeline:
- 22 June 2026 – Launch
- 20 August 2026 – Applications deadline
- 10 September 2026 – Final shortlist announced
- 22/23 September 2026 – Pitch Days (depending on the number of start-ups)
- October – Dec 2026 – Consortium agreement meetings
- October 2026 – May 2027 Accelerator programme
- June 2027 – Demo Day (date to be confirmed)
Please contact us if you have any queries