Scale Your CCUS Solution for Low Carbon Concrete with the GCCA Innovandi Open Challenge 2024

Concrete is the most used man-made substance on earth. The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) represents the global cement and concrete industry and is leading its decarbonisation work. The GCCA advocates for transforming concrete into a sustainable, long-lasting, and robust building material to meet the increasing demands of the exponentially expanding urban population. In 2021, it launched the industry’s 2050 Net Zero Concrete Roadmap, outlining the levers and pathways to providing the world with net zero concrete.

The GCCA Innovandi Open Challenge 2024 is a unique global accelerator that aims to bring together technology startups and the world’s leading cement and concrete companies to accelerate the development of innovative solutions to achieve net zero, as set out in its Roadmap.

Recognising the critical role of innovation in creating a sustainable future, the GCCA and its members, who are global leaders in the cement and concrete industry, are committed to expanding their innovation ecosystem and collaborating with external partners to achieve their net zero mission.

Why Should You Apply for the GCCA Innovandi Open Challenge 2024?

Through the 3rd Innovandi Open Challenge, the GCCA seeks to fast-track the development and adoption of technologies that support the transition towards a net zero future. Apply today to collaborate with the GCCA and make that happen!

Selected startups will gain unique access to:

• Support to move from ideas to pilot tests, proof of concepts, prototypes, and business cases.
• Extensive plants, labs, and research facilities.
• Expertise and infrastructure of 40 members worldwide to showcase innovation.
• Guidance from the GCCA and its industrial members of nominated lead experts to help the startups 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 manage the project with each selected startup and offer resources, support, and coaching to co-develop the business.
• High visibility in the cement and concrete sector, as well as equipment manufacturers, broader value chain players, investors, and wider stakeholders.

Building on a Successful Track Record

The GCCA and its members account for 80% of global cement production capacity outside of China, as well as several leading Chinese companies.. Member companies are committed to reducing and ultimately eliminating CO2 emissions in concrete (which currently account for around 7% of global emissions), through the implementation of the GCCA’s Concrete Future 2050 Net Zero Roadmap – the first ‘heavy’ industry to set out such a detailed plan.

This 3rd Innovandi Open Challenge builds on the success of previous years. The first challenge, in 2022, also focused on the development of carbon capture technology, and two winning startups have already gone to the pilot stage. The 15 startups shortlisted in last year’s 2nd Innovandi Challenge, who were tasked with working on the development of low-carbon concrete, are currently in discussion with manufacturers about forming partnerships.

Claude Loréa, the GCCA’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 work. Our world-leading Innovandi Open Challenge programme has already seen remarkable progress being made in just two years, with startups and our member companies working together. We’re looking forward to seeing what this year’s applicants can bring, to build on the extensive work that is already underway across the world.”

Are You Eligible to Apply for the GCCA Open Innovation Challenge?

Applications are being encouraged from start-ups from around the world, interested in working on the development of carbon capture use and storage, for low-carbon cement and concrete. Innovative technologies are sought, which include process integrated and end-of-pipe CO2 capture and use, and help prevent carbon from being emitted into the atmosphere.

• How Innovative and unique is the solution?
  • In the case of carbon capture, it should be “point source” carbon capture
  • In the case of CO2 use, scaling, and deployment potential is crucial
  • In case of CO2 storage, it should be mineralisation.

• Other judging criteria:
  • Is it water-intensive?
  • Is it energy-intensive?
  • Any waste heat utilisation requirement?
  • Any other prerequisites for the process?

• Please also note, the GCCA is NOT looking for:
  • Direct air capture technologies
  • Kiln electrification
  • Alternative fuels or low carbon fuels/hydrogen
  • CO2 transport and storage solution apart from mineralisation

Structure & Timeline of the Open Innovation Programme

After rigorous evaluation of all the entries, the GCCA will announce the shortlisted startups. They will be invited to pitch in front of GCCA members. Successful startups will get to partner with GCCA members to form consortia and enter into formal working partnerships.

• 15 April 2024 – Application deadline
• 30 April 2024 – Announcement of final shortlist
• 22 May 2024 – Pitch Day
• 1 July to 30 September 2024 – Consortium agreement meetings
• October 2024 to May 2025 – Accelerator programme
• June 2025 – Demo Day (date to be confirmed)

Are you a good fit for the challenge and ready to expand your business? Great! Wait no further and join hands with the GCCA to help the cement and concrete industry to decarbonise, while also gaining a chance to enable your startup to reach new heights. Visit the GCCA’s application page and apply right away!

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