Ready to help transform one of the world’s most essential industries? The GCCA Innovandi Open Challenge 2026 calls for startups developing AI solutions for low-carbon cement and concrete. Selected startups will have access to factories, laboratories, research facilities and the expertise and infrastructure of GCCA members across the world. Apply before August 20, 2026!
Concrete is the most used material in the world after water and plays a fundamental role in building the sustainable world of tomorrow. At the same time, the cement and concrete industry is working to accelerate its transition to net zero emissions.
This transformation will require new technologies, new partnerships and new ways of bringing innovation into real-world industrial environments.
THE GCCA Innovandi Open Challenge 2026 brings together technology startups and the world’s largest cement and concrete companies to accelerate the next wave of innovation for a net zero future.
Accelerating AI for low-carbon cement and concrete
For Challenge 2026, GCCA is looking for startups working on AI solutions capable of supporting the digital transformation and decarbonization of the cement and concrete industry.
This is an exciting opportunity for startups ready to go beyond ideas and work directly with industry partners to test, validate and develop their solutions.
Selected startups will benefit from unique access to factories, laboratories, research facilities, as well as the expertise and infrastructure of GCCA’s 40 members across the world. Through collaboration, they will be helped move from ideas to prototypes, pilot testing, proofs of concept and business cases.
Why it matters
The cement and concrete industry is essential to modern life, from homes and offices to roads, railways and critical infrastructure. To build a more sustainable future, the industry needs technologies that can help improve materials, processes, operations and decision-making.
AI has a major role to play in this transition.
From optimization and prediction to industrial decision support, AI solutions can help drive new efficiencies and accelerate the development of low-carbon cements and concretes. But to make an impact, startups need access to the right industry environments, data, expertise and partners. This is where the GCCA Innovandi Open Challenge comes in.
What Startups Can Expect
Selected startups will receive guidance from GCCA and its industry members or nominated lead experts throughout the program. This support aims to help startups progress in the industrialization of their technology, develop new technologies and define business cases with one or more industrial members.
Startups selected for the program will:
- Sign an NDA with GCCA on behalf of GCCA members, while intellectual property remains with the startups.
- Collaborate in defining the program through 2-3 meetings during the summer
- Agree program objectives with industrial partners
- Take part in a final demo day
Being selected also provides high visibility within the cement and concrete sector, as well as with equipment manufacturers, wider value chain players, investors and wider stakeholders.
Why join the GCCA Innovandi Open Challenge 2026?
The Innovandi Open Challenge 2026 is designed for startups that want to work directly with major industry players and apply their AI solutions to one of the world’s most important industrial transformation challenges.
By joining the program, startups can access the facilities, expertise and networks needed to validate their technologies in real-world settings and explore collaboration with leading cement and concrete companies.
If your startup is working on AI solutions for low-carbon cement and concrete, this is your chance to contribute to the industry’s journey to net zero emissions.
Submit your application by August 20, 2026 and join GCCA to accelerate AI solutions for low-carbon cement and concrete.
Get more details at: https://gccassociation.org/openchallenge/oc26/ and innovate for a sustainable future.
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This is a sponsored post.