The third edition of Holcim’s Startup Accelerator Program kicked off on Feb. 1, challenging startups to accelerate sustainable construction with disruptive solutions. Startups from around the world are invited to apply to one of nine Accelerator challenges, ranging from circular construction to green building solutions. Enrollment is open until March 27, with the six-month program running from May to November 2022 Startups are challenged to speed up innovation from recycling construction & demolition waste to green building solutions

The event was opened by world-renowned Swiss explorer and environmentalist Bertrand Piccard, with a call to action to put business to work for the planet. New partners to this year’s edition include France-based construction company Bouygues Construction and leading UK engineering consultancy firm Mott MacDonald. Specialty chemicals company Sika, a longstanding partner of the Accelerator, will participate again this year.

The Holcim Accelerator Program is open to startups from around the world as a key platform to access mentoring, expertise, and scale-up opportunities. Startups will have unique access to business experts in nine countries across Europe, North and South America, as well as Australia.

Jan Jenisch, CEO Holcim: “At Holcim we work with hundreds of startups around the world to accelerate innovation for sustainable construction. The Holcim Accelerator Program allows us to connect with the world’s brightest minds to drive disruptive breakthroughs. I invite this year’s startups to think outside the box across all dimensions of building from circular construction to smart building design.” 

Bertrand Piccard, Founder of the Solar Impulse Foundation: “The construction industry has a key role to play to accelerate our world’s transition to net zero. Holcim’s Accelerator is a unique incubator for startups around the world to put innovation to work for our planet. I look forward to many inspiring ideas to shift gears this year.”