CRH Ventures, the venture capital arm of building materials leader CRH, has announced the launch of its new accelerator program, Sustainable Building Materials. Applications are open until December 16.
As a driving force in sustainable construction, CRH aims to support promising Series A and B seed-stage companies in the construction technology (ConTech) and ClimateTech sectors. The accelerator will seek innovative materials and applications that help reduce emissions, waste, and energy use, leveraging CRH’s extensive expertise and network.
The program will focus on three key areas:
- Sustainable Binder Solutions: Enhancing the carbon performance and circularity of traditional cement or concrete materials.
- New Materials and Applications: Developing new materials or innovative uses for existing materials in cement or concrete applications.
- CO2 Mineralized Materials: Utilizing CO2 in binders, aggregates, or concrete to create construction materials that also store carbon.
CRH Ventures aims to identify startups ready to seize the decarbonization market opportunity, offering pilot programs for shortlisted applicants and access to its network of over 200 operating companies. Participants may also receive investment opportunities from CRH Ventures at the conclusion of the pilot programs.
Eduardo Gomez, Director of CRH Ventures, stated, “There is a huge opportunity to reduce construction emissions and improve circularity through innovation. We intend to identify impactful innovations and drive their commercial development to help the construction industry decarbonize and support CRH in achieving its 2050 net-zero emissions target.”
The selection process will take place throughout November and December, culminating in a live pitch day in early February 2025 featuring the top 10 to 12 startups.
Launched in 2022, CRH Ventures has positioned itself as a leader in construction innovation, offering a $250 million investment fund and establishing a portfolio of companies innovating across the construction value chain. The Sustainable Building Materials program is the third accelerator from CRH Ventures, following the Roads of the Future accelerator and the Water Solutions accelerator, both aimed at addressing critical industry challenges.
About CRH Ventures
CRH Ventures is the venture capital arm of CRH, the leading provider of building materials solutions that build, connect and improve our world. With a $250 million venture and innovation fund, CRH Ventures partners with ConTech and ClimateTech startups and invests ambitiously and strategically across the construction value chain.