CRH Ventures Launches “Sustainable Building Materials” Accelerator to Scale Innovative Startups Shaping the Future of the Built World

October 21, 2024 at 08:00 AM EDT

CRH Ventures, the venture capital unit of CRH, the leading building materials solutions business, today announced the launch of its latest accelerator, Sustainable Building Materials. Applications to the program are open until December 16.

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Eduardo Gomez Mendoza, Head of CRH Ventures (Photo: Business Wire)

CRH is leading the transition to smarter, more sustainable construction and the Sustainable Building Materials accelerator will target promising Seed-, Series A- and Series B-stage companies in the construction technology (“contech”) and climate tech space with market-ready products. The program aims to identify innovative materials and applications to lower emissions, reduce waste and improve energy use - leveraging CRH’s extensive network and expertise to drive forward innovative and sustainable solutions for the built environment.

The accelerator will focus on exploring three key areas to enable more sustainable construction:

Sustainable binder solutions — companies enhancing the carbon performance and / or the circularity of traditional cement or concrete materials
New materials and applications — companies developing novel materials or new applications of existing materials to create non-traditional solutions for cement or concrete applications
CO₂ mineralized materials — companies utilizing CO₂ in binders, aggregates, waste feedstocks or concrete to develop building materials or products that also offer carbon storage

This accelerator will identify startups poised to capitalize on the significant market opportunity decarbonization represents and support them as they develop and scale their operations. CRH Ventures will arrange one or more pilot programs for each shortlisted applicant, providing commercial users for products and facilitating technology refinement and engagement with selected partners in the construction space. Startups will also gain broader access to CRH’s network of 200+ operating companies, gaining insight from CRH experts and exploring synergies as they scale their technologies. Participants in the accelerator will also be eligible for potential investments from CRH Ventures at the conclusion of the pilot programs.

Eduardo Gomez, Head of CRH Ventures, said: “There’s an incredible opportunity to reduce construction-related emissions and enhance circularity through innovation. At CRH, we’re uniquely positioned to support the development of sustainable and innovative solutions and technologies to meet the changing needs of construction. In launching the Sustainable Building Materials accelerator, we plan to identify the most impactful innovations, and drive their commercial development through our network to support the construction industry to decarbonize and help CRH achieve its 2050 net-zero ambition.”

The accelerator will be accepting applicants via the CRH Ventures website through December 16. The selection process will continue throughout November and December, and will culminate in a live pitch day in early February 2025 for the most promising 10-12 startups.

Launched in 2022, CRH Ventures has established itself as a leader in construction innovation, with access to a $250-million venturing & innovation investment fund and a growing group of portfolio companies innovating across the construction value chain.

The Sustainable Building Materials program is CRH Ventures’ third accelerator. Earlier this year, it successfully launched the Roads of the Future accelerator to identify leading innovations with potential to impact the roads ecosystem and in 2023, it launched a Water Solutions accelerator focused on technologies that address a range of water management challenges.

About CRH Ventures

CRH Ventures is the venture capital unit of CRH, the leading provider of building materials solutions that build, connect and improve our world. With access to a $250M Venturing and Innovation Fund, CRH Ventures partners with and invests ambitiously and strategically in ConTech and ClimateTech start-ups across the entire construction value chain. For more information visit www.crhventures.com .

About CRH

CRH (NYSE: CRH, LSE: CRH) is the leading provider of building materials solutions that build, connect and improve our world. Employing approximately 78,500 people at approximately 3,390 operating locations in 28 countries, CRH has market leadership positions in both North America and Europe. As the essential partner for transportation and critical utility infrastructure projects, complex non-residential construction and outdoor living solutions, CRH’s unique offering of materials, products and value-added services helps to deliver a more resilient and sustainable built environment. The company is ranked among sector leaders by Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) rating agencies. A Fortune 500 company, CRH’s shares are listed on the NYSE and the LSE. For more information visit www.crh.com.