Roads of the Future Accelerator
Pioneering innovation
in road solutions
As a leader in sustainable road construction, CRH provides startups with unparalleled opportunities to partner with 200+ CRH operating companies across 1400 locations worldwide.
Leader in solutions for sustainable road construction
+63 million tonnes of asphalt supplied each year
Leaders in asphalt recycling
Focus areas
CRH Ventures is actively seeking solutions that address critical challenges in the roadbuilding ecosystem:
Smart and safe roads
We are seeking solutions that enhance data collection and insight generation to future-proof roads and elevate safety.
Road condition monitoring + intelligence
Commercial intelligence for road construction
EV and Autonomous road solutions (IoT)
Value from roads
Advisory, design & management tools
Critical maintenance monitoring
Green and resilient roads
We are looking for solutions to improve road design and asphalt production for superior performance, sustainability, and longevity.
Product design advancements – durability, weather resistant installation and performance, cosmetic and acoustics enhancements
Asphalt production optimization
Alternative and Bio-binders (bitumen replacement)
Recycled materials (aggregate replacement)
Self healing roads
Productivity in road construction
We are seeking solutions to streamline processes across the value chain and onsite for faster, safer, and higher-quality roadbuilding.
Autonomous road construction technologies
Electric equipment solutions
Digital solutions for road and worksite safety
Smart compaction technologies
Cold milling technologies & material recapture
Underground monitoring technologies (infrastructure, soil and geology)
Quality control and standardization
Infrastructure and materials platforms
Critical road maintenance recovery
Find out more about CRH projects here.
Interested? Find out more
Who’s eligible?
You are a company:
Creating a novel solution to a problem within the roadbuilding ecosystem
With a minimum viable product or scaled product
With the capacity to test your solution in North America and or EU
Benefits
Pilots – Pilot your technology with the leader in sustainable road construction. Gain insights from our vertically integrated platform and 50+ years of operational excellence.
CRH Network – Collaborate with experts from across CRH’s 200+ operating companies and leverage our strong network of industry partners to scale your company.
Market Validation – Demonstrate success at an industrial scale to accelerate product development and customer adoption.
Financial Support & Investment – All travel and pilot expenses will be covered by the program. CRH Ventures will consider investments of up to $5M in each startup at the conclusion of the program.
Consideration points
Business potential and strategic alignment with CRH
Quality and novelty of the product
Experience and credibility of the management team
How the process works
Complete and submit the application form
Review products and pilot formulation with CRH executives
Launch a pilot with one of CRH’s operating companies
Expand collaborations across CRH with potential investment by CRH Ventures
Key dates
Programme launch and call for start-ups
Application deadline
Startup selection, interviews and pitch days
Pilot programmes activated, demo days and scale up
Let’s shape the future
of roads together
Any questions?
Is the programme cohort-based?
Six to eight companies are selected to enter the accelerator programme, but we remain flexible with the timeline of each pilot project. The most important element is that the pilots can demonstrate success in a way that proves scalability and drives innovative product development.
How is the programme funded?
All pilot and travel expenses are covered by the accelerator programme.
Is the programme in-person or remote?
While some meetings are held remotely, teams are required to travel on-site (in North America and or Europe), where applicable, to execute the pilot.
How are the start-ups selected?
All application submissions are carefully reviewed and the most relevant applicants are invited to present to CRH teams. Following this assessment, companies are selected to enter the programme.
What is the workload and required effort for startups when joining the programme?
The workload depends on the nature of each pilot project but should be commensurate with any early adopter use.
What type of mentoring, coaching and funding opportunities are offered?
Companies have wide engagement with CRH meeting regularly with management in CRH’s operating companies as well as the Innovation and Ventures team to discuss the pilot’s development as well as the company’s product roadmap, go-to market strategy, financing and supporting operational infrastructure. Companies are also able to access coaching and mentoring through the Impulse Partners network.
Does CRH Ventures consider investing in programme participants?
At the conclusion of the programme, companies may be considered for an investment from CRH Ventures of up to $5M.
An extensive network of leading businesses.
Proud to be collaborating with
Proudly associated with Impulse Partners
Specialist in accelerating innovation in the real estate, construction, smart cities and energy sectors, Impulse Partners develops ecosystems that bring start-ups and innovative solutions closer to leading corporations, local authorities and investors.
Join the Accelerator today