START-UPS CHALLENGED TO HELP DEVELOP CARBON CAPTURE TECHNOLOGY FOR GLOBAL INDUSTRY'S PUSH TO NET ZERO

LONDON, Feb 21 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A pioneering international programme, which brings together tech start-ups and leading manufacturers in the pursuit of net zero, has launched.

Innovandi Open Challenge 2024 is run by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), the industry’s leading international body which is focused on helping the global cement industry reduce its emissions and ultimately achieve net zero concrete.

Applications are being encouraged from start-ups from around the world, interested in working on the development of carbon capture use and storage, for low carbon cement and concrete. Innovative technologies are sought, which include process integrated and end-of-pipe CO₂ capture and use, and help prevent the carbon being emitted into the atmosphere.

This will be the 3^rd Innovandi Open Challenge and builds on the success of previous years. The first challenge, in 2022, also focused on the development of carbon capture technology, and two start-ups have already gone to pilot stage. The 15 start-ups shortlisted in last year’s 2^nd Innovandi Challenge, to work on the development of low carbon concrete, are currently in discussion with manufacturers about forming partnerships.

Claude Loréa, the GCCA’s Cement, Innovation and ESG Director, said: “Our industry is committed to achieving net zero and the development of carbon capture technology is a key part of that work. Our world leading Innovandi Open Challenge programme has already seen remarkable progress being made in just two years, with start-ups and our member companies working together. We’re looking forward to seeing what this year’s applicants can bring, to build on the extensive work that is already underway across the world.”

All GCCA members who account for 80% of global cement production capacity outside of China, and a number of leading Chinese manufacturers, have committed to reaching net zero, by 2050, through the GCCA’s Concrete Future 2050 Net Zero Roadmap – the first global industry to set out such a detailed plan. The GCCA has also recently signed a ground-breaking agreement to work together on decarbonisation with the China Cement Association (CCA). 

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