SEASON 4

Challenge Statement: 

How can we foster the development of markets and supply chains to efficiently redirect construction waste to recyclers and/or concrete producers? In this challenge, startups are invited to explore innovative strategies to establish robust systems that enable the seamless return of construction waste into productive cycles.

Short Description: 

The Construction Waste Integration Challenge aims to address key aspects of construction waste management. There are four critical points that we encourage startups to focus on when tackling the challenge. Each of these points contribute to the goal of creating a more sustainable and circular approach to construction waste. 

• Market and Supply Chain Development: Proposals should focus on creating systems that enhance the traceability and reliability of waste flows.
• Quality Improvement of Construction Waste Streams: Solutions should aim at optimizing the separation and classification of materials to ensure that the waste stream is of the highest quality.
• Processing Parameters Optimization: This includes identifying ideal ratios, innovative mixing techniques, and implementing quality control measures to achieve a sustainable blend with new materials and robustness of the mixes.
• Exploration of Alternative Uses: We encourage startups to think beyond traditional recycling by identifying alternative uses for waste. Creative solutions may involve repurposing methods, innovative construction materials, or applications that contribute to a circular economy.

Challenge Statement: 

How can we innovate concrete production for sustainability? The goal is to discover transformative approaches that not only address the environmental impact of concrete production but also propel the industry toward circular practices and heightened resource efficiency. 

Short Description:

The Cutting-Edge Low-Carbon Concrete Challenge invites startups to pioneer groundbreaking solutions in the realm of concrete production by focusing on the identification, utilization, and integration of new by-products and sustainable supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). This multifaceted challenge addresses crucial aspects of sustainable construction practices. 

• Identifying and Using New By-Products as SCMs: Identify environmentally friendly alternatives that contribute to the circular economy and reduce the reliance on traditional raw materials.
• Developing Markets and Supply Chains for Industrial By-Products: Solutions should enhance traceability, reliability, and sustainability in the supply chain.
• Increasing Proportion of Waste-Based SCMs in Concrete: Proposals should focus on optimizing the performance and characteristics of waste-based materials to meet or exceed industry standards while maximizing their waste reduction potential.
• New Mix-Design Enhancing the Use of Biochar in Concrete: Biochar, a sustainable and carbon-negative material, holds potential benefits for concrete properties, and participants are tasked with exploring and optimizing its integration.

Challenge Statement:  

How can we innovate cement production for enhanced sustainability? The aim is to accelerate advancements in sustainable practices within the cement industry, fostering a circular economy and reducing environmental impact.

Short Description:

The Cement Recycling Challenge invites startups to revolutionize the cement industry by focusing on two critical aspects: developing processes to recover cement from waste concrete and changing the composition of cement to enhance recyclability. This challenge addresses key sustainability concerns within the construction materials lifecycle.

• Developing Processes for Cement Recovery from Waste Concrete: Proposals should outline methods for the extraction, purification, and reintroduction of cement from discarded concrete structures.
• Changing Composition for Improved Recyclability: Proposals should aim to identify alternative materials or adjust existing formulations to make cement more compatible with recycling processes.

Challenge Statement: 

How can we take construction technology to new heights for enhanced sustainability? This challenge provides an innovative platform for startups to explore solutions that can reshape concrete technology, reduce environmental impact, and enhance overall sustainability in the construction industry.

Short Description:

The Construction of Tomorrow Challenge invites startups to explore advanced sensors, data analysis, and predictive models to accurately evaluate essential aspects of concrete, optimize its usage, reduce the need for additional repairs or reinforcement, minimize the water footprint, and enhance sustainability through innovative applications. 

• Advanced Sensors, Data Analysis, and Predictive Models: The goal is to enhance our ability to accurately evaluate crucial aspects of concrete, including structural integrity, durability, and performance over time, to feed the predictive models to optimize maintenance cost of infrastructure.
• Optimizing Concrete Usage and Reducing Repair Needs: The goal is to improve strategies and technologies for optimizing concrete usage, reducing repair needs, and extending structural lifespan.
• Reducing the Water Footprint: Proposals that contribute to sustainable water management in concrete-related processes.
• Lightening Structures with Biochar in Vegetalized Applications: Explore the benefits integrating biochar into construction systems  to enhance structural properties while promoting sustainable, vegetalized urban environments.
• Improving Traceability in Demolition Processes: Proposals for better technologies, protocols, or systems that enable efficient tracking and documentation of materials for responsible waste management and recycling practices.