Open Innovation challenge: Building New From Old - Circular Construction Challenge
This Open Innovation challenge, delivered by the Innovate |UK Global Alliance Africa project, is supporting Lafarge Africa Plc (part of Holcim Group) to find innovative, circular ideas for the use of Construction Demolition Materials (CDM) to tackle the challenges of material waste and climate change, to help to decarbonise the construction industry.
Opportunity Details
When
Registration Opens
12/07/2024
Registration Closes
27/08/2024
Award
Successful applicants will be given the opportunity to pitch their solution to Holcim. The winning applicant, as selected by Holcim will get the opportunity to collaborate with them on a trial project. Up to GBP 25,000 seed funding is available (subject to T&Cs) to the successful finalist/s for this collaboration.
About the challenge
The challenge is focusing on 3 inter-related initiatives: digital platforms; scouting and securing sources; material handling, sorting and recycling tech. A flexible, scalable solution would be preferred to benefit Nigerian business operations directly.
Solutions are invited from, but not limited to, the following sectors:
- Construction
- Recycling
- Manufacturing
- Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Energy
- Data
- Satellite
- Design
Challenge Background
Construction Demolition Materials (CDM) are generated from the excavation of sites, construction, renovation, repair, and demolition of houses, large structures, roads and bridges. Holcim’s goal is to become the leading cement player in the CDM business, aligned with a transition towards sustainable materials.
They were the first company to utilise CDM to create products in Switzerland. In Nigeria, they are seeking sustainable, local solutions rather than importing raw materials, and are actively engaged in R&D to make recycled materials more reactive and powerful. Such materials are used already as minor additions to processes, but the goal is working with regulators towards their inclusion as major additions.
Some countries have very organised methods of collecting materials, leading to reliable databases. Nigeria has a fragmented system without such clarity. Approximately 70% of CDM comes from individual homes, with the remainder being larger industrial buildings. CDM materials become available whenever somebody decides to demolish or rebuild, or when buildings collapse unexpectedly.
Holcim requires innovative solutions for CDM identification, aggregation, processing and production. Their goal is to transform this construction materials problem into a circular economy solution.
Rewards & Benefits
- Up to GBP 25,000 seed funding (Subject to T&C)
- Opportunity to pitch your solution to Holcim
- Collaboration/partnership with Holcim
- Technical support from Holcim team
- Sector expertise from IUK
- Support in the development of a prototype or pilot
- Invitation to attend or present at IUK events
- Investor introductions (if investment is required)
- Application support for any related competitions that are relevant.
Who can apply
Entrants to this competition must be:
- Established businesses, start-ups, SMEs or individual entrepreneurs.
- Africa-based entrants, UK-based entrants and those from RoW are invited to apply.