Cemex Names Most Innovative Construction Startups

Cemex Ventures, along with partners including Caterpillar and Ferrovial, has named eight winners of the 2024 Construction Startup Competition. These startups are solving real-world issues in sustainability, productivity, and supply chains.

They’ll now compete at Pitch Day in Las Vegas on November 12, where top winners will receive prizes and partnerships.

The context of the competition is the tough challenges faced by the construction industry. Construction firms face mounting pressure to reduce waste and boost efficiency. 

The UK Green Building Council, for example, reports that construction creates 60% of UK waste materials. The World Economic Forum estimates that digital technology could save 10% of construction costs.

Technology adoption in construction has increased since 2020. McKinsey, the management consultancy, reports that 60% of construction firms have implemented new digital systems. The firm forecasts continued growth in construction technology investment through 2025.

A group of technology companies has launched products to address these challenges, and the Construction Startup Competition rewards these companies.  The following are the winners by category.

Green Construction

Mixteresting, an Austrian software developer, has created a digital simulation system for concrete mixing. The system models different concrete formulations before physical mixing begins. The technology cuts development time for new concrete mixes from months to weeks.

The software helps concrete producers achieve higher margins through mix optimisation. Users can reduce cement content while maintaining concrete performance specifications. The system also enables producers to cut CO2 emissions through precise material calculations.

Austrian firm Revitalyze has developed a digital marketplace for construction materials recovery. The platform connects demolition contractors with manufacturers seeking recycled materials. The system focuses on high-value materials suitable for reuse in new construction.

Site Communication and Productivity

French technology firm Kraaft has created a construction-specific messaging platform for site teams. The system builds on existing chat functions to capture site data automatically. The platform serves 600 customers across Europe and North America, with 15,000 users.

Sodex Innovations, based in Austria, provides real-time surveying through machine-mounted sensors. The system uses laser scanners and satellite navigation to create digital site models. These models update continuously as machines move around site.

US firm Trunk Tools has launched an artificial intelligence system for construction data management. The platform organises unstructured information from multiple sources. The system includes TrunkText, which allows workers to query project documents through natural language.

Supply Chain Management

Kaya AI, a US technology developer, offers a supply chain monitoring platform. The system tracks materials from order to delivery using machine learning. The platform aggregates data from contractors and suppliers to predict delivery times.

Future Technologies

US-based Raise Robotics has created autonomous systems for facade bracket installation. The robots work alongside existing construction processes. The company focuses on high-precision fixing applications.

Estonian firm GScan uses cosmic ray technology to inspect infrastructure assets. The system can penetrate concrete and steel structures to depths beyond 40 centimetres. The technology produces three-dimensional models of bridges, tunnels and nuclear facilities.

The scanning system achieves greater accuracy than conventional inspection methods. Asset owners can use the data to extend infrastructure lifespans. The technology also helps reduce renovation costs through precise defect location.
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