Concrete is the most used man-made material on earth. The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) represents the global cement and concrete industry and is leading decarbonization efforts. GCCA advocates transforming concrete into a sustainable, long-lasting and robust building material to meet the growing demands of an exponentially expanding urban population. Released in 2021 Industry’s 2050 Net-Zero Concrete Roadmapoutlines the means and pathways to delivering net-zero concrete to the world.
GCCA Innovandi Open Challenge 2024 brings together technology start-ups and the world’s leading cement and concrete companies to accelerate the development of innovative solutions to achieve net zero, as outlined in the roadmap A unique global accelerator designed to
Recognizing the critical role of innovation in creating a sustainable future, GCCA, a global leader in the cement and concrete industry, and its members are expanding their innovation ecosystem and partnering with external partners to achieve their net-zero mission. We are committed to cooperating with.
Why should I apply for GCCA Innovandi Open Challenge 2024?
Through the third Innovandi Open Challenge, GCCA aims to fast-track the development and deployment of technologies that support the transition to a net-zero future. Apply now to collaborate with GCCA and make it happen.
Selected startups will receive unique access to:
- Support to move from idea to pilot test, proof of concept, prototype, and business case.
- Vast factories, laboratories, and research facilities.
- The expertise and infrastructure of 40 members around the world to showcase innovation.
- Guidance from designated lead experts comprised of GCCA and its industry members will help startups advance the industrialization of their technology.
- Develop new technologies or define new business cases with one or more industry members.
- GCCA members will manage each selected startup’s project and provide resources, support, and coaching to co-develop the business.
- We are well known not only in the cement and concrete sector, but also by equipment manufacturers, wider value chain companies, investors and wider stakeholders.
build a successful track record
GCCA and its member companies account for 80% of the world’s cement production capacity outside of China, and include several leading Chinese companies. Member companies are working to reduce and eventually eliminate CO2 emissions from concrete, which currently accounts for about 7% of global cement production. This is the first ‘heavy industry’ industry to develop such a detailed plan through the implementation of GCCA’s ‘Concrete Future 2050 Net Zero Roadmap’.
This third edition of the Innovandi Open Challenge builds on the success of previous years. The first challenge in 2022 will also focus on developing carbon capture technology, with two winning startups already progressing to the pilot stage. The 15 startups shortlisted in last year’s second Innovandi Challenge have been tasked with developing low-carbon concrete and are currently in talks with manufacturers about forming partnerships.
Claude LaureaGCCA’s Cement Innovation and ESG Director says: “Our industry is committed to achieving net zero, and the development of carbon capture technology is a key part of that effort. Our world-leading Innovandi Open Challenge program is an opportunity for startups and our member companies to By working together, we have already made impressive progress in just two years. We look forward to seeing what this year’s applicants bring to the table to build on the extensive work already underway around the world. I’m looking forward to seeing you.”
Am I eligible to apply for the GCCA Open Innovation Challenge?
Applications are encouraged from start-ups around the world interested in developing carbon capture utilization and storage for low-carbon cement and concrete. Innovative technologies are needed to prevent carbon from entering the atmosphere, such as process integration and CO2 capture and utilization at the end of the pipe.
- How innovative and unique is this solution?
- For carbon capture, it must be a “point source” carbon capture.
- Scalability and deployability are important when using CO2
- For CO2 storage, it must be petrified.
- Other criteria:
- Do you consume a lot of water?
- Does it consume a lot of energy?
- Are there any requirements for waste heat utilization?
- Are there any other prerequisites for this process?
- Please also note that the GCCA does not require:
- Direct air capture technology
- Kiln energization
- Alternative fuels or low carbon fuels/hydrogen
- CO2 transport and storage solutions separate from mineralization
Open innovation program structure and schedule
After rigorously evaluating all entries, GCCA will announce the shortlisted startups. They will be invited to pitch in front of his GCCA membership. Successful startups can partner with GCCA members to form consortiums and enter into formal collaborations.
- April 15, 2024 – Application deadline
- April 30, 2024 – Announcement of final candidate list
- May 22, 2024 – Pitch day
- From July 1st to September 30th, 2024 – Consortium contract meeting
- October 2024 – May 2025 – Accelerator program
- June 2025 – Demo Day (date to be determined)
Are you up to the challenge and ready to scale your business? Great! Join forces with GCCA today to help decarbonize the cement and concrete industry and get the chance to help your startup reach new heights at the same time. Visit the GCCA application page and apply now.
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