CRH Ventures, the venture capital arm of CRH, a leading provider of building materials solutions, has announced the launch of its latest initiative: the Sustainable Building Materials accelerator. Applications are open until December 16.
This accelerator aims to drive the transition toward smarter and more sustainable construction practices by targeting promising Seed, Series A, and Series B-stage companies in the construction technology (contech) and climate tech sectors. The focus is on market-ready products that can help reduce emissions, minimize waste, and enhance energy efficiency. Leveraging CRH’s extensive network and expertise, the program seeks to foster innovative solutions for the built environment.
The accelerator will explore three key areas:
- Sustainable Binder Solutions: Companies working on improving the carbon performance and circularity of traditional cement or concrete materials.
- New Materials and Applications: Companies developing novel materials or innovative uses of existing materials for non-traditional cement or concrete applications.
- CO2 Mineralized Materials: Companies utilizing CO2 in binders, aggregates, waste feedstocks, or concrete to create building materials that also store carbon.
This initiative aims to support startups positioned to take advantage of the substantial market opportunities presented by decarbonization. CRH Ventures will facilitate pilot programs for each selected applicant, connecting them with commercial users for product testing and technology refinement. Startups will also have access to CRH’s network of over 200 operating companies, gaining valuable insights from CRH experts and exploring collaborative opportunities. Additionally, participants may be eligible for potential investments from CRH Ventures following the pilot programs.
Eduardo Gomez, Head of CRH Ventures, stated, “There’s an incredible opportunity to reduce construction-related emissions and enhance circularity through innovation. CRH is uniquely positioned to support the development of sustainable technologies that meet the evolving needs of the construction industry. With the launch of the Sustainable Building Materials accelerator, we aim to identify impactful innovations and drive their commercial development through our extensive network, helping the construction sector decarbonize and enabling CRH to achieve its 2050 net-zero goals.”
Interested applicants can submit their proposals via the CRH Ventures website until December 16. The selection process will take place throughout November and December, culminating in a live pitch day in early February 2025 for the top 10-12 startups.
Since its inception in 2022, CRH Ventures has become a leader in construction innovation, backed by a $250 million investment fund and a growing portfolio of companies that are transforming the construction value chain. The Sustainable Building Materials accelerator is CRH Ventures’ third initiative; earlier this year, it launched the Roads of the Future accelerator to explore innovations in the road ecosystem, and in 2023, it introduced a Water Solutions accelerator focused on addressing various water management challenges.
