Innovation Accelerator

This category recognises start-ups or small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are driving change and innovation through development of new technology for use in the construction and civil engineering industry or on the projects the sector delivers. We are looking for young, fast-growing, agile businesses that are striving to have an impact on the industry. There is no defined age of the company for you to be eligible but you should be able to demonstrate how you are growing rapidly and have a vision for where the company will be in the next three to five years.

EMSOL

The construction industry is facing increasing scrutiny regarding its environmental impact, particularly in urban areas. EMSOL is at the forefront of addressing these challenges with advanced computer vision and comprehensive remote sensor technology delivered as a fully managed service designed to provide real-time, actionable data on air pollution. This goes beyond just monitoring (PM10) and encompasses the full range of pollutants, including NO2, which has a significant and proven health impact on on-site teams and the local community living next door to the day-to-day construction activity. EMSOL is uniquely positioned to lead the construction industry towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. By leveraging our advanced technology and advocating for necessary regulatory changes, we can drive significant improvements in air quality management.

GScan

GScan has quickly established itself as a fast moving and innovative enterprise. As a deep tech start up we were founded from within another technology company focused on automated border crossing, Muon tomography acting as the core technology for the detection aspect. After detailed trials and research, we formed GScan and began the development of the scanners, and supporting technology to create an assurance and NDT proposition/offering for the infrastructure and wider built environment. GScan manufactured in house the first working product in the Spring of 2023,we secured our first project focused on two former Soviet training nuclear submarines, working in partnership with the Estonian Department for the Environment. In May 2023, we were offered the opportunity to partake in the Structures Moonshot programme with National Highways. The objective being to establish the best in class method of NDT, comparing the traditional, X-Ray, GPR and ultrasound with new innovative systems

minimass (Net Zero Projects)

minimass is a family of patented, low-cost and low-carbon structural elements for large-scale construction, starting with beams, achieved using 3D concrete printing in an innovative way. Embodied carbon is up to 70% lower and supply cost up to 35% lower than traditional concrete or steel beams for equivalent performance. The first minimass project will be built in September in Norfolk at Constructionarium, a built environment educational centre. This will be a fully instrumented 10.8m footbridge, funded through an Innovate UK grant. It will give tangible proof of concept and enable the foundations, logistics, construction, weather-tolerance, stability and longevity of the structure, and the minimass procurement process, to be examined and validated. The bridge is designed to be easily disassembled so it can join the centre’s project roster once 6 months of testing is complete, helping to introduce the next generation of contractors and engineers to innovative low-carbon construction techniques.

Queenswood

Our pedigree in construction and infrastructure delivery allows us to engage meaningfully with design and construction professionals. We understand what makes projects tick and can speak the vernacular, making our communications with impacted communities accurate and easy to understand. Our focus on reducing programme and consenting risk through effective engagement via easy-to-understand visualisations responds directly to what we believe to be our industry's biggest challenge and the key cause of project cost and programme overruns.

SmartViz

SmartViz is a trailblazing startup helping building owners and operators address the urgent challenges of building (in)efficiency to deliver better outcomes for people, place and planet. We provide a unique ‘digital-twin-in-a-box’ – a suite of low cost sensors with a unique AI-powered digital twin that shows where people are, and where space and energy is wasted, together with actionable insights and automated controls to save costs and boost user experience. Data is the new oil. And like the old oil, it needs processing and refinement to be turned into value. SmartViz turns building data into energy and carbon savings. Established in 2022 and growing 100% year-on-year, SmartViz in the last year alone has helped Cardiff Met Uni save £5.1m, Vodafone save $40m per year, and helped Scottish Futures Trust and Barnsley and Midlothian Councils to optimise their offices, schools, libraries and cultural venues.

Twinview

Twinview's innovative approach and commitment to excellence have impacted the construction and civil engineering industries. We have significantly improved energy efficiency, operational performance, and sustainability across various projects by providing real-time, data-driven insights and predictive maintenance capabilities. Our agile, client-focused approach and dedication to continuous innovation set us apart from larger firms, ensuring we remain at the forefront of digital transformation in the built environment. With ambitious plans for future growth and development, Twinview is well-positioned to drive significant change and innovation in the industry. We are honoured to be considered for the Innovation Accelerator Award and look forward to showcasing our achievements and vision at TechFest 2024.

Back to shortlist