GCCA Invites Carbon Capture Start-ups To Apply Innovandi Open Challenge 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) is seeking start-ups in carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) to apply for the Innovandi Open Challenge 2024 by April 15, to help develop carbon capture technology for global industry’s push to net zero.

Launched by GCCA, the industry’s leading international body focused on reducing emissions in the global cement industry, the challenge is a pioneering international programme, which brings together tech start-ups and leading manufacturers in the pursuit of net zero.

According to a statement, innovative technologies are sought, which include process integrated and end-of-pipe carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and use, and help prevent the carbon being emitted into the atmosphere.

“We encourage applications from start-ups around the globe to join us in the urgent fight to limit global warming. If you are a start up from Austria to Australia, from Brazil to Bangladesh, with an innovative idea or technology to further develop CCUS, then you should be applying,” said GCCA Chief Executive, Thomas Guillot.

Meanwhile, GCCA Cement, Innovation and ESG Director, Claude Loréa said: “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 are looking forward to seeing what this year’s applicants can bring, to build on the extensive work that is already underway across the world.”

This will be the third 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 second Innovandi Challenge, to work on the development of low carbon concrete, are currently in discussion with manufacturers about forming partnerships.

All GCCA members who account for 80 per cent 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 development of new technologies is a key part of the industry’s roadmap to net zero, and carbon capture and storage technology is expected to account for around 36 per cent of total emission reductions by 2050.

-- BERNAMA