Accelerator Programme
Sustainable Building
Materials

Application deadline

Applications remain open to 20th December, 2024

CRH is a leading provider of
building materials solutions
that build, connect and
improve our world

Creating value through sustainable solutions:

CRH is leading the transition to smarter, more sustainable construction to meet the evolving needs of our customers and society.

$13.9 billion revenue generated from products with enhanced sustainability attributes in 2023
43.9 million tonnes of wastes and by-products from other industries recycled
400+ innovation projects underway across CRH operating companies since the start of 2023

This accelerator offers startups an opportunity to partner, pilot and commercialise their solutions with CRH. The 6 month programme focuses on attracting companies that can show how they have developed materials and solutions that are capable of lowering emissions, demonstrating circularity or reducing waste, energy and water usage in the built environment.

Focus areas

Sustainable binder solutions

Enhancing the carbon performance and / or the circularity of traditional materials via binder design innovation, SCMs innovation or other approaches creating sustainable cement and concrete solutions for the customer

Cementitious binders and concrete solutions
Novel or activated supplementary cementitious materials
Recycled or CO2 mineralized cementitious materials

New materials & applications

Developing novel materials or products, or new applications of existing building materials to create sustainable solutions with non-traditional materials for cement or concrete applications

Alternatives to clinker and novel binder chemistries
Biobased, self-healing or inductive cementitious materials
Nanomaterials
Admixtures, fillers and additives for cementitious products

CO2 mineralised materials

Utilising CO2 in binders, aggregates, waste feedstocks or concrete to develop a building materials or products that also offer carbon storage

CO2 mineralised building materials e.g., aggregates, SCMs, ready-mix concrete
CO2 mineralised building products e.g., masonry, hardscapes

The benefits of joining

Pilots

Pilot your technology with a leading provider of building materials solutions. Gain insights from our vertically integrated platform and 50+ years of operational excellence.

CRH Network

Collaborate with experts from across CRH’s 200+ Operating Companies and leverage our strong network of industry partners to scale your company.

Market Validation

Demonstrate success at an industrial scale to accelerate product development and customer adoption.

Financial Support

All travel and pilot expenses will be covered by the programme. CRH Ventures will consider investments of up to $5M in each startup at the conclusion of the programme.

Key stages

Apply

21 October–
20 December

Startup companies submit application forms ahead of the deadline

Assessment

December–
January

All submissions evaluated by the CRH team and judging panel. Shortlisted applicants to be interviewed

Pitch

March

Live pitch event with CRH executives, judging panel and programme sponsors. Successful startups selected.

Pilot

April onwards

Pilot programmes activated for scaling across CRH Operating Companies

Apply now

Any questions?

Is the programme cohort-based?

Six to eight companies are selected to enter the accelerator programme, but we remain flexible with the timeline of each pilot project. The most important element is that the pilots can demonstrate success in a way that proves scalability and drives innovative product development.

How is the programme funded?

All pilot and travel expenses are covered by the accelerator programme.

Is the programme in-person or remote?

While some meetings are held remotely, teams are required to travel on-site (in North America and or Europe), where applicable, to execute the pilot.

How are the start-ups selected?

All application submissions are carefully reviewed and the most relevant applicants are invited to present to CRH teams. Following this assessment, companies are selected to enter the programme.

What is the workload and required effort for startups when joining the programme?

The workload depends on the nature of each pilot project but should be commensurate with any early adopter use.

What type of mentoring, coaching and funding opportunities are offered?

Companies have wide engagement with CRH meeting regularly with management in CRH’s operating companies as well as the Innovation and Ventures team to discuss the pilot’s development, the company’s product roadmap, go-to market strategy, financing and supporting operational infrastructure.

Does CRH Ventures consider investing in programme participants?

At the conclusion of the programme, companies may be considered for an investment from CRH Ventures of up to $5M.

Join the Accelerator today