Meet the Winners of the 2024 Construction Startup Competition
The construction industry stands at the cusp of a technological renaissance, driven by a new wave of innovative startups challenging traditional norms.
Now in its eighth edition, the Construction Startup Competition 2024 has once again unearthed ground-breaking solutions poised to reshape the sector. Hosted by a formidable coalition of industry leaders—Cemex Ventures, Caterpillar, Dysruptek by Haskell, Ferrovial, Hilti, Leonard by VINCI, NOVA by Saint-Gobain, Trimble, and Zacua Ventures—the competition culminated in naming eight standout startups. These trailblazers showcased their cutting-edge solutions at the prestigious Pitch Day, held during the Trimble Dimensions User Conference in Las Vegas on November 12, 2024.
This year’s competition attracted a record number of applicants from over 70 countries, underscoring the growing momentum of innovation within the construction technology (ConTech) and clean technology (Cleantech) sectors. With the industry’s need for sustainable, efficient, and digitised solutions, the competition’s focus areas were precisely aligned with real-world challenges: Green Construction, Enhanced Productivity, Construction Supply Chain, and the Future of Construction.
Champions of Change – The Winning Startups
After an exhaustive selection process, eight startups emerged victorious, each offering pioneering solutions in their respective focus areas:
- GScan (Estonia): Leveraging state-of-the-art imaging technology, GScan is advancing construction site safety by detecting underground utilities with unparalleled precision.
- Kaya AI (US): Kaya AI’s AI driven platform optimises project management workflows, reducing delays and enhancing decision-making efficiency in real-time.
- KRAAFT (France): By digitising on-site communication, KRAAFT empowers construction teams to streamline collaboration and accelerate project timelines.
- MIXTERESTING GmbH (Austria): Specialising in sustainable building materials, MIXTERESTING is at the forefront of reducing construction waste through innovative recycling techniques.
- Raise Robotics (US): Using autonomous robotics for high-risk tasks, Raise Robotics is setting new safety standards while boosting productivity on construction sites.
- revitalyze (Austria): With a focus on adaptive reuse, revitalyze offers data-driven insights to refurbish existing buildings, reducing the carbon footprint of new constructions.
- Sodex Innovations GmbH (Austria): Transforming the construction supply chain, Sodex’s smart logistics solutions improve material management, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule.
- Trunk Tools (US): The Trunk Tools platform harnesses financial technology to streamline payments and incentivise productivity, enhancing contractor and subcontractor relationships.
These startups will pitch their transformative solutions to a distinguished panel of industry experts, venture capitalists, and potential business partners. The top three will earn the coveted gold, silver, and bronze medals, along with cash prizes to fuel further development.
The Impact of the Construction Startup Competition
Since its inception in 2017, the Construction Startup Competition has paved the way for over 3,500 startups to engage with industry giants, validate their solutions, and secure strategic investments. This global initiative aims not only to discover cutting-edge technologies but also to foster partnerships that can lead to long-term industry transformation.
For startups, the competition has proven to be a powerful launchpad. By providing a unique platform for networking, pilot projects, and industry recognition, the competition catalyses growth in sectors where innovation is desperately needed. And the benefits aren’t one-sided; participating corporations gain access to fresh ideas and disruptive technologies that could redefine their operations.
But beyond the tech and numbers, there’s a unifying message here: “Let’s build something bigger together.” This sentiment, echoed by competition partners, underscores the collaborative spirit driving the industry forward.
Pitch Day 2024 – Where Innovation Meets Opportunity
The culmination of the competition, Pitch Day 2024, was a showcase of ingenuity at the Trimble Dimensions User Conference. As the finalists took to the stage, they weren’t just be pitching their ideas—they were pitching the future of construction. In an industry where every second counts, these startups could very well hold the keys to unlocking new levels of productivity, safety, and sustainability.
The Pitch Day event is more than just a contest; it’s an opportunity for startups to gain traction with industry heavyweights. By aligning with corporations like Caterpillar and Hilti, which already have extensive global footprints, startups can rapidly scale their solutions and expand into new markets. Investors, too, are eager to tap into these innovative ventures that align with their strategic goals, especially as sustainability and digitalisation take centre stage.
A Closer Look at the Competition’s Powerhouses
The Construction Startup Competition 2024 has not just been a stage for emerging innovators but also a collaborative effort backed by some of the biggest names in the construction and technology industries.
This initiative wouldn’t have reached its eighth edition without the support of its powerhouse partners—Cemex Ventures, Caterpillar, Dysruptek by Haskell, Ferrovial, Hilti, Leonard by VINCI, NOVA by Saint-Gobain, Trimble, and Zacua Ventures. These companies bring not just capital but a wealth of experience, resources, and strategic insights to nurture the most promising ConTech solutions.
The key influential players who are reshaping the construction landscape:
Cemex Ventures: Building a Sustainable Future – Since its inception in 2017, Cemex Ventures has been a game-changer in the construction ecosystem. Focused on addressing industry pain points through sustainable solutions, Cemex Ventures has fostered an open collaborative platform that engages startups, universities, and thought leaders. By leveraging partnerships, the company aims to accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies that can tackle the challenges facing construction today—whether it’s enhancing project efficiency, reducing carbon footprints, or improving safety.
Caterpillar: Pioneering Heavy Equipment for a Greener Tomorrow – Caterpillar Inc. isn’t just a leader in heavy machinery; it’s a visionary in sustainability and technological innovation. With a staggering $67.1 billion in sales for 2023, Caterpillar’s impact spans the globe. The company’s unwavering commitment to building a better world is reflected in its investments in low-emission machinery and cutting-edge technologies that support construction, resource extraction, and transportation sectors. As Caterpillar expands its digital solutions, it aims to optimise efficiency while supporting its customers in achieving their sustainability goals.
Dysruptek: Investing in the Future of Construction – Formed in 2018, Dysruptek is the venture capital arm of The Haskell Company, dedicated to bringing disruptive technologies to the construction space. By investing in groundbreaking startups focused on architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) technologies, Dysruptek acts as both a catalyst and partner in driving change. Their investments have supported innovations that reimagine how projects are designed, built, and maintained, focusing on scalability and real-world impact.
Ferrovial: Paving the Way in Global Infrastructure – A titan in infrastructure, Ferrovial has operations in more than 15 countries and employs over 24,000 people globally. The company’s dedication to sustainable development is evident in its long-standing commitment to the UN Global Compact and its inclusion in major sustainability indices like the Dow Jones and FTSE4Good. Ferrovial’s projects range from large-scale transport infrastructure to energy-efficient buildings, aligning with its mission to reduce environmental impact while enhancing urban connectivity.
Hilti Group: Innovating Construction Tools and Services – For decades, the Hilti Group has been synonymous with innovation in construction tools, systems, and software. Operating in over 120 countries, Hilti’s reputation is built on direct customer relationships, a commitment to quality, and a focus on research and development. In 2023, the company invested roughly 7% of its annual CHF 6.5 billion revenue into R&D. This relentless pursuit of excellence ensures that Hilti remains at the forefront of transforming jobsite efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Leonard by VINCI: Incubating Tomorrow’s Solutions – Leonard is VINCI’s innovation arm, created to explore the future of construction, mobility, and energy sectors. By setting up incubation and acceleration programs, Leonard nurtures startups and internal projects that push the boundaries of technology. Leonard: Paris, the innovation hub, supports more than 40 projects annually, providing a space for collaboration and creativity. Through its expansion into new regions, Leonard is fostering global innovation networks that are critical for addressing today’s construction challenges.
NOVA by Saint-Gobain: Connecting Startups with Global Resources – NOVA, the venture arm of Saint-Gobain, focuses on identifying and scaling startups that align with its sustainability ethos. By providing access to its vast resources, NOVA accelerates the growth of promising startups that are innovating in areas like energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and circular economy solutions. The goal is to create synergies that drive both business success and environmental responsibility.
Trimble Ventures: Investing in Tech-Driven Transformation – Launched in 2021, Trimble Ventures is dedicated to accelerating the growth of early-stage companies that are transforming construction, agriculture, and transportation. By focusing on innovations like AI, robotics, and blockchain, Trimble Ventures is investing in technologies that bridge the digital and physical worlds. Its strategic investments support the development of solutions that enhance productivity, safety, and sustainability across industries.
Trimble: Redefining the Digital-Physical Connection – Beyond its venture arm, Trimble itself plays a crucial role in transforming how we build, move, and live. With its suite of positioning technologies, data analytics, and modelling tools, Trimble improves project outcomes across construction, agriculture, and logistics. By connecting digital data with physical execution, Trimble ensures projects are not only efficient but also environmentally sustainable.
Zacua Ventures: Empowering Visionary Entrepreneurs – Zacua Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on tackling the biggest challenges in the built environment, from sustainability to urbanisation. With a strategic presence in North America, Europe, and Asia, Zacua supports startups by leveraging a network of industry leaders. By fostering direct partnerships with global corporations, Zacua accelerates the adoption of innovative technologies that address critical industry needs.
The Road Ahead for Construction Innovation
As the construction industry navigates an era of unprecedented change, competitions like this are more than just a showcase of talent—they’re a catalyst for progress. By championing new technologies and embracing disruption, the sector can finally shed its reputation for being slow to adapt.
The success stories from the Construction Startup Competition prove that innovation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a tangible force driving the industry toward a more sustainable, efficient future. For startups looking to make their mark, there’s no better time to get involved.
As these startups prepare to pitch in Las Vegas, they’re not just vying for medals—they’re competing for a chance to revolutionise the industry.
