Innovandi Open Challenge 2025 by GCCA: A Global Opportunity for Start-ups to Drive Net Zero Concrete Innovation
DR. RABIU RABIU 
The Innovandi Open Challenge is a global initiative that unites tech start-ups with the world’s leading cement and concrete companies to accelerate the development of breakthrough technologies aimed at achieving a net zero future.
As the most widely used material after water, concrete plays a vital role in building a sustainable world. The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) and its members recognize the power of innovation in driving the decarbonisation of concrete. To achieve this ambitious goal, GCCA members are reaching beyond their own R&D efforts to collaborate with cutting-edge start-ups and enrich the industry’s innovation ecosystem.
The 2025 Innovandi Open Challenge
This year, the Innovandi Open Challenge is calling on start-ups to develop innovations aligned with the GCCA Net Zero Roadmap. The focus is on next-generation materials for net zero concrete, including:
- Low-carbon admixtures
- Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs)
- Activators
- Binders
Start-ups selected for the program will have access to unprecedented opportunities to test and develop their technologies with the support of the cement and concrete industry’s largest players.
For more information, please click here.
Who is Eligible?
The Innovandi Open Challenge 2025 is open to tech start-ups developing innovative solutions that contribute to the decarbonisation of cement and concrete. Eligibility criteria include:
- A clear focus on next-generation materials that reduce carbon emissions.
- Early-stage or growth-stage start-ups with a viable technology or prototype.
- A commitment to collaborate with GCCA members on testing and scaling innovations.
- Willingness to sign an NDA and participate in structured program activities.
What Are We Looking For?
We seek start-ups working on next-generation materials that contribute to net zero concrete, including:
- New admixtures, SCMs, activators, and clinkers
- Activation of low-reactivity SCMs
- New synthesis SCMs from non-reactive materials
Other Judging Criteria:
- Innovative and unique solutions compared to traditional SCMs
- Environmental impact assessment
- Resource availability and scalability
- Energy intensity
- Emission intensity (Scope 1, 2, and 3)
- CO₂ utilization
What We Are NOT Looking For in This Challenge:
- No carbon capture technologies
- No kiln electrification
- No alternative fuels or low-carbon fuels/hydrogen
Why Apply?
Selected start-ups will receive:
- Access to plants and labs for testing and development.
- Collaboration opportunities with 40 GCCA member companies worldwide.
- Guidance from industry experts to advance from concept to prototype, pilot-tests, proofs of concept, and business cases.
- Mentorship and resources from GCCA members to co-develop solutions and accelerate commercialization.
- Exposure to key industry players, investors, and stakeholders in the cement and concrete sector.
- Deadline: April 20, 2025
What to Expect?
Start-ups chosen for the program will be expected to:
- Sign an NDA with the GCCA on behalf of its members (IP remains with the start-up).
- Participate in program planning, with 2-3 meetings over the summer.
- Define clear goals with industrial partners upon onboarding.
- Showcase their progress at a final demo day.
- Explore potential collaborations with GCCA members and industry partners on a case-by-case basis.
For more information, please click here.
Be Part of the Net Zero Mission
The Innovandi Open Challenge 2025 is a unique opportunity for start-ups to shape the future of low-carbon concrete and transform the construction industry. If your start-up is developing breakthrough solutions that can drive decarbonisation at scale, this program offers the support, expertise, and industry connections needed to succeed.
Apply now to be part of this groundbreaking initiative and contribute to a more sustainable built environment.
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