The global push for construction innovation is gaining momentum as the 2025 Construction Startup Competition has officially selected its next cohort of breakthrough contech companies. The program — now in its ninth year — continues to serve as a major launchpad for emerging technology in the built environment, organizers shared in an Oct. 22 announcement from Cemex.
The shortlist was determined after reviewing hundreds of submissions from around the world. In total, 13 startups will advance to two upcoming pitch events, vying for funding, mentorship and top placement in the respected industry challenge.
Eight finalists will present their solutions before industry leaders and investors at the Trimble Dimensions conference in Las Vegas from Nov. 10-12. Meanwhile, five additional companies will compete during a newly launched European Pitch Day hosted at Recotech in Helsinki from Nov. 17-19, where another top prize awaits.
Cemex Ventures — the venture capital arm of construction materials giant Cemex — co-organizes the competition alongside major global partners. Organizers describe 2025 as one of the strongest years to date for talent and technological advancement.
The competition remains one of the most recognized in construction technology, drawing 563 applications spanning 54 countries — marking the second-highest level of participation since its inception.
A growing share of submissions is coming from Europe, signaling an accelerated pace of innovation and investment in the region. “Partnering with Recotech allows us to connect more directly with the European innovation ecosystem, engage with local startups, investors, and corporates, and give the finalists a platform in one of the most dynamic regions for construction technology,” said Miguel Carralón, investment advisor at Cemex Ventures.
Finalists are divided into three focus areas shaping the future of contech:
• Alithic (U.S.) – Produces carbon-negative cement replacement materials to reduce embodied carbon
• Kapture (Australia) – Provides a carbon-capture retrofit solution for existing diesel generators
These startups aim to help builders meet stringent environmental goals and cut emissions.
Automation and AI-powered analysis dominate this category:
• Ailytics (Singapore) – Uses AI-driven safety monitoring through construction cameras
• AItenders (France) – Automates bid compliance and tender review
• BuildCheck AI (U.S.) – AI plan review to cut RFIs and costly rework
• Enlaye (U.S.) – Risk mitigation and secure data management for development teams
• IRIDESENSE (France) – Soil analysis using LiDAR for safer excavation and planning
These tools focus on time savings, worker safety, and reductions in labor inefficiencies — priorities amid a persistent labor shortage.
Solutions aim to reshape how complex infrastructure is planned and built:
• All3 (U.K.) – Combines robotics and AI to generate customizable, mass-producible designs
• Birdsview (Norway) – “X-ray vision” for concrete, accelerating repairs and inspections
• Gravis Robotics (Switzerland) – Retrofits standard machinery to function autonomously
• Hyperion Robotics (Finland) – 3D printing and microfactories for faster concrete infrastructure
• Navlive (U.K.) – LiDAR scanning for instant 3D models and floor plans
• Taiyō.AI (U.S.) – ConstructChat platform enabling teams to monitor costs and schedules with simple prompts
Together, these companies highlight a major industry shift toward robotics integration, digital models and intelligent workflows.
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Trimble Dimensions – Las Vegas
AItenders | Alithic | BuildCheck AI | Enlaye | IRIDESENSE | Gravis Robotics | Hyperion Robotics | Taiyō.AI
Recotech – Helsinki
Ailytics | All3 | Birdsview | Kapture | Navlive
Organizers include an influential consortium of companies such as Trimble, Caterpillar, Saint-Gobain, Ferrovial, Hilti and the VINCI Group — giving finalists direct exposure to potential partners and acquirers.
With major investments in AI, carbon reduction and advanced robotics, this year’s competition is seen as a preview of how emerging technologies may soon reshape cost efficiency and sustainability across the built environment.
The winners will be announced following their final pitches later this month.
Originally reported by Matthew Thibault in Construction Dive.
