Beyond the hype – Seven myths of startup collaboration

Posted on by Antigone KARVOUNARAKIS DELTON

Over the past seven years, Holcim MAQER Ventures has grown into a leading platform for startup collaboration and innovation in the construction industry. As the interface between innovative startups and Holcim, we’ve worked with multiple high-impact startups – from AI-powered productivity tools to breakthrough low-carbon materials – and are introducing their solutions in our operations. 

But with innovation comes complexity. And with complexity, come assumptions.

We, Bengt Steinbrecher (Head of Holcim MAQER Ventures) and Matthieu Horgnies (Holcim Accelerator Manager) have heard many of them – internally and externally.

“Aren’t Accelerator, Venture Clienting and Corporate Venture Capital completely separate?”
“Startups just want money, not partnerships.”
“Pilots are too expensive and time-consuming to run.”

To set the record straight, we’re addressing seven of the most common myths we encounter when it comes to corporate-startup collaboration – and sharing the truths behind how we work, what we prioritize, and why this approach delivers real value.

Because startup collaboration isn’t a side project at Holcim – it’s core to how we innovate.

Let’s dive in

Myth 01

Myth: Accelerator, Venture Clienting, and Corporate Venture Capital are separate, disconnected strategies at Holcim MAQER Ventures.

In fact: These three approaches form a cohesive funnel. The Accelerator is tailored for early-stage startups needing support to validate their technology with industry experts. Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) targets growth-stage startups where we identify long-term strategic potential and aim to deepen our relationship through investment. Venture Clienting focuses on mature solutions, providing startups with opportunities to pilot and scale their technologies directly within Holcim’s operations, driving immediate value and adoption. The approaches complement each other and help to validate and accelerate innovative startup solutions in our organization.  

Myth 02

Myth: Startups are only interested in funding and don’t value partnerships with corporates.

In fact: Startups value more than just funding – they seek strategic partners who can accelerate their growth and multiply the use case related to their solution. For example, French startup Nanolike partnered with Holcim to bring their silo inventory management system from the agricultural industry to the construction industry and is now serving Holcim’s customers.

Myth 03

Myth: Startups are expensive and resource-intensive to test.

In fact: Not all startup collaborations require large upfront investments. Many digital startups offer ready-to-use solutions that deliver quick wins with minimal resources. For instance, Holcim Canada partnered with Provision on a short 8-week, $2,000 pilot and achieved 80% time savings and over 90% accuracy in automating tender document reviews with AI.

Myth 04

Myth: Only large-scale pilot projects will prove a startup’s value

In fact: Focusing on small-scale pilots is a strategic advantage. They minimize risk for the corporate partner, provide faster testing of the startup’s technology, and are more cost-effective. By targeting specific challenges, these pilots offer focused insights and measurable outcomes, enabling informed decisions about further scaling. 

Myth 05

Myth: Holcim MAQER Ventures works only with deep-tech startups in the sustainability space.

In fact: Our startup collaborations are structured around three topics: Sustainable Building, supports startups like Sublime Systems, which are focused on reducing cement’s emissions. Transformative Building is dedicated to startups like 14trees, pioneering the future with 3D printing technology. Efficient Building focuses on startups like Gravis Robotics, developing autonomous excavators.

Myth 06

Myth: Startup solutions are too early stage to scale effectively within our organization or meet key requirements (e.g.IT security or GDPR). 

In fact: The Venture Client unit focuses on startups with a degree of maturity. These companies have typically secured venture funding, established corporate client relationships, and possess robust IP with testable, readily available products. This focus mitigates the risks associated with early stage technologies and ensures better alignment with Holcim’s operational requirements and standards. 

Myth 07

Myth: Startup solutions must always be top down and be passed onto countries via corporate innovation initiatives.

In fact: Innovation isn’t solely driven from the top. Country teams and business functions play a crucial role throughout the entire process, from identifying pain points and scouting for solutions to piloting and scaling successful implementations. This ensures that solutions are relevant to specific needs and enables broader adoption within the organization. 

Addressing these seven common myths is key to pave the way for more impactful collaborations with startups. We are committed to driving innovation in the construction industry through strategic partnerships that deliver sustainable solutions and create lasting value. Ready to explore partnership opportunities? Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you.

AUTONOMOUS TECH TRIALLED TO BOOST SAFETY AND PRODUCTIVITY ON SITE

Posted on by Antigone KARVOUNARAKIS DELTON

Holcim UK recently completed a successful trial of an AI-powered autonomous excavator at its Lee Moor sand and gravel quarry in Plymouth. The pilot involved a 23-tonne Develon crawler excavator fitted with autonomous technology from Swiss startup Gravis Robotics. Once set up and calibrated, the machine was assigned to feed a screener hopper with sand and gravel over a period of two days — targeting 100 cycles per hour.

The results exceeded expectations:

  • 133 cycles per hour on average
  • 1,500 tonnes of material moved daily
  • 99% accuracy with minimal spillage

This trial, supported by Holcim MAQER Ventures, marks a key milestone in our push for innovation, efficiency, and safety in quarry operations. 

What’s Next?

Following the trial, Holcim has signed a three-way Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gravis Robotics and HD Hyundai Xitesolution to develop the commercialisation of the autonomous technology designed to enhance productivity, improve safety in quarry operations and within confined material handling. We encourage teams across the Group to explore where such solutions could add value — especially in stationary loading tasks like hoppers, crushers, or repetitive truck-loading. Interested in exploring opportunities? Reach out to Uwe Müller to discuss potential applications.

Mathan Durairaj

Chief Procurement Officer

“The introduction of this type of technology in our industry has the potential to significantly boost productivity, enhancing on-site safety, and improving sustainability.”

TURNING HEAT INTO POWER: HOW ADVANCED THERMOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS (ATS) IS REIMAGINING INDUSTRIAL ENERGY

Posted on by Antigone KARVOUNARAKIS DELTON

At Holcim MAQER Ventures, we seek out bold technologies that push the boundaries of sustainable construction and will help us reinvent how the world builds. That’s why we work  with Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems (ATS), a company transforming how the world thinks about waste heat. The scale of this challenge is significant: on average, 50% of heat is lost during cement production, resulting in 0.2 tonnes of CO2 emissions per tonne of cement produced. With the world producing 4 billion tonnes of cement annually, the potential for impact is immense.

Recognized as a 2024 Earthshot Prize Winner in the “Fix the Climate” category, ATS is the world’s first and only solid-state solution that converts industrial waste heat into clean, sustainable electricity without the need for turbines or moving parts. ATS offers a 99% circular, scalable, cost-effective, and revenue-positive technology that helps industries reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. With the potential to eliminate millions of tons of CO2, ATS is radically redefining the future of energy. 

In early 2024, ATS successfully deployed its solid-state waste heat-to-electricity technology at Holcim’s Alpena cement plant in Michigan. Unlike lab-scale pilots, this was full industrial integration and the results have the potential to be game-changing. 

The system achieved 13.9% thermal efficiency on a 240°C waste heat stream, independently validated by the U.S. Department of Energy. That’s nearly eight times the efficiency of existing solid-state solutions and well above the 10% commercial viability threshold for this kind of technology. Even more promising, with continued optimization, efficiency is on track to exceed 25%.

Beyond performance, ATS’ system is designed for real-world durability. With no moving parts, it requires minimal maintenance, operates in harsh industrial environments, and can be scaled quickly through automated manufacturing lines.

ATS’ technology is a practical, scalable tool to decarbonize heavy industry while reducing energy costs and unlocking new sources of clean power. This industrial solution turns existing processes into energy assets. This collaboration reflects Holcim’s commitment to bold partnerships that accelerate progress toward net zero.

REINVENTING HOW THE WORLDS BUILDS THROUGH INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION: INSIGHTS FROM SLUSH 2024

Posted on by Evelyn

During our participation in three key panels at Slush, we shared valuable insights on how startups can collaborate with industry leaders like Holcim to drive meaningful change and scale their impact. The discussions also provided an opportunity to explore Holcim’s venture clienting approach, showcasing how strategic collaborations can accelerate innovation, create mutual benefits, and deliver real-world impact.

Panel 1: Startup Opportunities in the Construction Industry: Insights from Holcim’s Venture Client Unit

As the global construction industry progresses on its journey to reduce emissions, Holcim is leading the way with a firm commitment to achieving net-zero by 2050. During the panel discussion, business leaders emphasized the importance of implementing advanced technologies and innovative processes to modernize operations and minimize emissions across the value chain.

We are equally dedicated to fostering impactful partnerships that advance sustainability and drive commercial growth within the built environment. Startups are uniquely positioned to address critical gaps, offering agility and fresh, bold perspectives. By collaborating with innovative startups, Holcim aims to unlock transformative solutions that align with our mission to decarbonize the construction industry and accelerate green growth.

Business leaders further highlighted how startups can differentiate themselves by addressing key challenges across the value chain. Data was identified as a crucial enabler of transparency and efficiency, with opportunities in tracking material flows, reporting embodied carbon, and optimizing project execution. The panel also spotlighted Holcim’s exploration of alternative materials to replace clinker—an essential but high-carbon component of traditional cement. Beyond decarbonization, discussions focused on advancing circularity through the reuse of construction demolition materials (CDM) and leveraging digitalization to automate processes.

The message from the panel was clear: bold partnerships between corporates and innovative startups are essential to achieving a net-zero future. By collaborating with industry leaders like Holcim, startups have the unique opportunity to deliver breakthrough solutions in decarbonization, data transparency, and process optimization. Together, we can drive the innovation needed to create a sustainable future, for people and the planet.

Panel 2: Building Lasting Partnerships: Holcim MAQER Ventures’ Approach to Startup Engagement

At Slush 2024, one of the standout moments was an engaging panel discussion featuring Holcim MAQER Ventures and Paebbl. The conversation explored Holcim’s transformative approach to startup collaboration, offering valuable insights into how we foster innovation within the company and drive tangible impact through the venture clienting model.

Holcim’s venture clienting approach is central to collaboration with startups. This model enables Holcim to bring innovative startups solutions into its global operations while serving as an early client—a significant advantage for novel companies seeking to scale their impact.

The discussion highlighted the inspiring journey of Paebbl, a groundbreaking startup on a mission to repurpose CO2 into solid carbonate materials. Through Holcim’s venture clienting model, Paebbl progressed from pilot projects to scaled implementations, showcasing the potential for startups to create meaningful impact with the right partnership.

The panel provided practical advice for startups aiming to collaborate with industry leaders like Holcim:

  • Building Trust: Meaningful partnerships are built on shared objectives, trust, and commitment to addressing key industry challenges.
  • Open Communication: Transparent and consistent dialogue ensures mutual benefits and helps navigate the complexities of corporate-startup collaborations.

Panel 3: How to Do First-of-a Kind in Hard Tech – Are Offtake Agreements the Way?

During our panel discussion at the Impact Stage at Slush 2024 with Paebbl, we explored the importance of industry leaders like Holcim collaborating with novel startups to achieve a net-zero future. Recently, Holcim participated in Paebbl’s Series A financing to scale their advanced mineralization technology, designed to permanently store CO2 in concrete as a carbon sink. This collaboration highlights how strategic partnerships can help accelerate the deployment of decarbonization technology.

Offtake Agreements as Catalysts for Innovation
A central focus of the panel was financing First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) plants, with specific emphasis on offtake agreements. These agreements play a pivotal role in enabling hard-tech companies to bring their product to market, while also providing industry players with competitive and environmental advantages.

This, of course, underscores the willingess to take responsibility and certain risks to transform hard-to-abate industries like ours. A low-carbon future is not only necessary—it’s achievable and viable through bold, collaborative action.

Offtake agreements create a potential win-win scenario:

  • Startups gain the opportunity to distribute their products through established corporate networks, accelerating market entry and derisking early commercial plants.
  • Corporates benefit from early access to innovative materials that differentiate them in the market, offering commercial and environmental advantages.

Panel discussion: “Startup Opportunities in the Construction Industry: Insights form Holcim’s Venture Client Unit,” presented at the Venture Client Track.

Panel discussion: “Building Lasting Partnerships: Holcim MAQER Ventures’ Approach to Startup Engagement,” presented at the Venture Client Track.

Fireside chat with Paebbl: “How to Do First-of-a-Kind in Hard Tech – Are Offtake Agreements the Way?” presented at the Impact Stage.

The Holcim MAQER Ventures team extends its heartfelt gratitude to all speakers, startups, and participants who contributed to the resounding success of our participation at Slush 2024. The message from these conversations is clear: collaboration is key. By fostering a united effort across the entire value chain and embracing forward-thinking behavior and transformative partnerships, we can reinvent how the world builds, together.

HOLCIM MAQER VENTURES @ SLUSH

Posted on by Evelyn

Slush is the world’s largest gathering of venture capital providing an ideal platform for transformative change. Following our previous years’ successes, where our team participated in impactful discussions alongside industry leaders and innovators and connected with key players in the startup ecosystem, we are thrilled to return to this premier gathering of startups, investors, and tech visionaries!

Two years ago at Slush, we first connected with Paebbl, a recent standout startup who has recently become a valuable addition to our portfolio. We’re thrilled to be co-hosting a thought-provoking panel with them this year, continuing our journey to shape a more net zero future together.

Additionally, Holcim MAQER Ventures is proud to participate as a main partner in 27pilots’ Venture Client Track. We’ll take part in two engaging panels, each designed to showcase Holcim’s commitment to sustainable innovation and startup collaboration.

In the first panel, we’ll explore Holcim’s key research areas in sustainability, highlighting the role that innovative startups can play in creating a more sustainable, resilient industry. The second panel will provide insights into Holcim MAQERS Ventures’ approach to fostering meaningful long-term partnerships with startups, detailing engagement and collaboration.

Bengt Steinbrecher

Head of Holcim MAQER Ventures

“We’re looking forward to Slush 2024 as an opportunity to engage with like-minded innovators. Our aim is to forge new partnerships that accelerate innovation and the decarbonization of the built environment.”

Holcim MAQER Ventures is dedicated to reinventing how the world builds by driving innovation and collaboration. As we gear up for this dynamic event, we are eager to engage in discussions that will disrupt our industry.

At Slush, our team will foster collaboration and address the significant challenges facing the built environment. We look forward to connecting with you and sharing insights on how we can collectively build a more sustainable and resilient future, leveraging innovation to tackle pressing challenges towards a net-zero future.

CELEBRATING 10,000 MAQERS: HOW HOLCIM MAQER VENTURES IS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

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At Holcim MAQER Ventures, we identify the most promising startups and scale their impact, helping Holcim become a first mover in accelerating open innovation. We transition cutting-edge solutions from the lab to the market, helping them to scale into profitable, clean technologies that advance a net-zero future—for both people and the planet.

Bengt Steinbrecher

Head of Holcim MAQER Ventures

“By connecting all stakeholders along the construction ecosystem, we can accelerate innovative solutions and push towards a net-zero future.”

The Strenght Of Our Community

Our MAQER community is at the core of everything we do. It’s a collective of forward-thinkers, passionate collaborators, and solution-oriented leaders who share the common goal of building a sustainable future. Each of our 10,000 MAQERS brings a unique perspective, forming a dynamic knowledge network that fuels our work. This diversity in thought and expertise enables us to tackle challenges from multiple perspectives, equipping us with the insights and resources needed to drive meaningful change.

The strength of a thriving community like ours lies in the relationships it fosters. By uniting startups, investors, industry experts – internals and externals -, and advocates for innovation, we create a space where ideas flow freely and collaborations lead to breakthrough solutions. These relationships have led to real, tangible results in the built environment—from deploying new sustainable construction materials to applying advanced technologies that reduce carbon emissions and drive efficiency and effectiveness on the job site. The achievements we reach together are powered by a community of change-maQers committed to reinventing how the world builds.

A Shared Vision For The Future

While we celebrate this milestone, we recognize that our journey is just beginning. Our growing network of Holcim MAQER Ventures enthusiasts demonstrates a shared passion for sustainable building solutions, and we’re more inspired than ever to continue fostering this ecosystem of innovation. Each milestone brings us a step closer to our vision of a net-zero future, accelerating Holcim’s commitment to green growth.

We invite you to be part of this journey to shape an environment where bold innovations thrive, leading to groundbreaking solutions that drive us toward a sustainable built environment. As we continue to expand, we are dedicated to fostering a culture with innovation at its core, where every member of our MAQER network plays a role in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Connect with us on LinkedIn and let’s maQe an impact together.

HOLCIM MAQER VENTURES AT CLIMATE WEEK NYC 2024

Posted on by Evelyn

Climate Week NYC is the premier annual event dedicated to addressing climate change, uniting a global network of business leaders, decision-makers, and civil society representatives. This year, Holcim MAQER Ventures is excited to be part of this monumental event.

At the Sustainable Investment Forum, our team, in collaboration with Holcim and groundbreaking startups, will lead a dynamic discussion on how innovation is tackling hard-to-abate challenges. We are thrilled to highlight some of the latest additions to our portfolio, each driving breakthrough in clean manufacturing, carbon capture, and other advanced technologies designed to tackle the construction industry’s most pressing challenges.

Nollaig Forrest

Chief Sustainability Officer at Holcim

“At Holcim we want to ignite a regenerative revolution in the built environment – using our sustainable building solutions, and partnering across the value chain to scale low-carbon, circular, energy efficient building.”

One of the key highlights of our participation will be co-hosting the roundtable discussion featuring special guests from our portfolio. This session will unite a diverse network of experts, innovators, and stakeholders from the built environment to explore how novel startups are tackling hard-to-abate challenges with breakthrough solutions and their crucial role in advancing decarbonization from a unique angle. 

Holcim MAQER Ventures is committed to reinventing how the world builds, driving forward innovation and collaboration to unlock the next stage of decarbonization. Our participation in Climate Week NYC will explore how effective partnerships can accelerate the shift towards a more sustainable future for the construction industry.

As we look ahead, our focus remains unwavering. Together, we are driving forward innovation and collaboration to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in the built environment.

Bengt Steinbrecher

Head of Holcim MAQER Ventures

“Startups are a growing avenue for new ideas, approaches and solutions to today’s main challenges for the building materials industry. Events such as Climate Week NYC help startups gain access to the markets, expertise and networks necessary to continue reinventing how the world builds.”

HOLCIM MAQER VENTURES EMPOWERS CAREER DEVELOPMENT WITH TOGETHER PLATFORM

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At Holcim MAQER Ventures, we’re committed to connecting startup innovation with corporate needs, driving transformation from a human-centric perspective. Our latest initiative, the Career Catalyst mentorship program, embodies this commitment.

Recognizing the growing need for meaningful career connections, we rapidly embraced the Together mentorship platform. This platform provides an innovative and sustainable solution for fostering mentorship and career development across our global team.

The Holcim Career Catalyst program goes beyond mere mentorship; it’s a dynamic digital ecosystem designed to enhance career growth. Through cutting-edge technology, we facilitate the exchange of experiences and insights, beyond geographical and organizational boundaries.

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At Holcim MAQER Ventures we believe in driving significant environmental impact and industry transformation. The Career Catalyst program exemplifies our commitment to reinventing how the world builds, empowering our employees and startups to contribute to a sustainable and innovative future.

By integrating the Together platform, we’re not only enhancing career development but also supporting the global transition to sustainability. This initiative underscores our dedication to nurturing talent, celebrating diversity, and fostering innovation within our organization.









HOLCIM MAQER VENTURES AT VIVATECH 2024

Posted on by Antigone KARVOUNARAKIS DELTON

VivaTech is Europe’s biggest startup and technology event, bringing together more than 150,000 visitors from 174 countries in its last edition. The annual conference accelerates innovation by connecting startups, tech leaders, major corporations and investors responding to our world’s biggest challenges.

This year marked the first time Holcim MAQER Ventures was an exhibitor at VivaTech. The booth hosted innovative companies from the Holcim MAQER Ventures investment portfolio, as well as a program of talks by Holcim open innovation leaders, founders and corporate partners from our accelerator program. 

The following portfolio companies were presented at our booth:

Edelio Bermejo

Head of Global R&D, Holcim

“VivaTech is a key platform for Holcim MAQER Ventures to engage with members of the startup community, inviting them to join us on our mission to reinvent how the world builds. I am grateful for the opportunity to add our voice to the conversation at this world-class event and to showcase the collaborative open innovation that is transforming the building sector.”

PROUD WINNERS OF THE DELOITTE TECHNOLOGY FAST 50 VENTURE CLIENT AWARD FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Posted on by Antigone KARVOUNARAKIS DELTON

In an era where innovation meets sustainability, Holcim MAQER Ventures, together with Holcim and neustark, stands at the forefront of groundbreaking environmental progress. We are immensely proud to announce our partnership has been recognized with the prestigious Venture Client Award by 27pilots, as part of the esteemed Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards. This accolade not only celebrates our collaborative efforts but also shines a spotlight on our commitment to advancing sustainable solutions within the construction industry.

The challenge of reducing the construction industry’s environmental footprint has never been more critical. Through our partnership with neustark, we have embraced an innovative approach that embodies our commitment to sustainability. Neustark’s revolutionary carbon capture technology, which facilitates the mineralization of CO2 in recycled concrete, presents a significant leap towards reducing the environmental impact of building materials. This transformative process is a cornerstone of our strategy to lead the way in sustainable construction practices and technologies.

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This esteemed award is a reflection of the power of collaboration between corporates and startups. By joining forces, Holcim MAQER Ventures, Holcim, and neustark have demonstrated that meaningful progress towards a greener future is not only possible but achievable. Our partnership exemplifies how innovative thinking and collaborative spirit can pave the way for significant environmental advancements.

As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, our focus remains steadfast on the journey ahead. Together, we are setting new benchmarks for sustainability and innovation in construction. We are not just building structures; we are building a legacy of environmental stewardship and responsible innovation.

This award is a milestone in our journey, but it is just the beginning. We are inspired to continue our work, pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and leading the charge towards a more sustainable world. Together, we’re reinventing how the world builds, ensuring a greener, more sustainable future for all!