Winner of the inaugural Asia Pacific edition of the world’s largest competition for construction start-ups

The Construction Startup Competition (CSC), now in its landmark 10th edition and widely regarded as the most prestigious global contest in the Construction Technology (ConTech) space, held its inaugural APAC Pitch Day today at the ConTech Summit during the International Built Environment Week (IBEW) ↗ (opens in new tab) 2026.

2         Civils.ai ↗ (opens in new tab) was crowned Gold Winner, before a jury of global industry leaders — Cemex Ventures, Caterpillar, Dysruptek by Haskell, Ferrovial, Hilti, VINCI Group’s Leonard, NOVA by Saint-Gobain, Trimble, Zacua Ventures, and BCA.

Growth of ConTech Ecosystem within the Region

3         "Many ConTech startups today face the same kinds of challenges and are embarking on the same journey. Though their tech is good, moving beyond small pilot trials to commercial scale is tough. You need capital, you need real-world construction sites to test your machines, and you need actual buyers who are ready to adopt them. In Singapore, the government is working hand in hand with the industry to give you that test track and commercial runway. The 10th edition of the Construction Startup Competition plays a big part in this effort. Today's inaugural APAC Pitch Day shows that Singapore is growing into a regional hub for ConTech innovation, by connecting inventors with builders and investors." said Mr Alvin Tan, Singapore’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and National Development, in his closing address at the ConTech Summit.

4         The CSC’s expansion into APAC comes at a significant juncture. According to industry reports, investments within the global ConTech ecosystem is at an all-time high, recorded at USD 6.57 billion in 2025. Notably, the APAC region is also fast becoming a key engine of this global ConTech flywheel, accounting for almost 20% of the global ConTech investment in 2025.^[1]

5         In tandem with the increased investment, the pace of innovation across the sector is accelerating. This year, the CSC saw a 40% increase in applications from 2025, with a record number of nearly 800 submissions from 64 countries globally — of which 243 applications were submitted by BE startups from across the APAC region.

6         “One of the most notable outcomes of this year’s edition was the 181% increase in applications from startups based in Asia and Oceania. This is a clear indication that the region is home to a growing pipeline of construction technology startups with solutions ready to compete on the world stage and supports the Competition’s strategy of positioning itself as a gateway for APAC startups seeking to connect with leading global corporates, investors, and industry stakeholders, while expanding their reach into international markets,” said Miguel Carralón, Investment & Partnerships Manager at Cemex Ventures.

The APAC Track Winners at Inaugural APAC Pitch Day

7         The five APAC Track winners had pitched at the inaugural APAC Pitch Day.^[2] This year's five finalists represent the cutting edge of construction technology innovation across the region and covers areas spanning artificial intelligence, digital workflows, and advanced construction analytics across pre-construction, job site productivity and BE sustainability.

1.      Arbel.ai ↗ (opens in new tab) turns drone footage into searchable, conversational site intelligence, giving owners and EPCs planned-vs-actual visibility on progress, quality, and safety with zero manual reporting.

2.      Civils.ai ↗ (opens in new tab) is an AI co-pilot for civil engineers that extracts and cross-checks data from drawings, contracts, and geotechnical reports, cutting takeoff time by up to 90%.

3.      ConcreteAI ↗ (opens in new tab) uses Internet of Thing (IoT) sensors that track in-situ concrete strength and temperature in real time, cutting casting-cycle waiting times by over 30% and reducing reliance on cube testing.

4.      Bton.io ↗ (opens in new tab) produces patented low-clinker mix technology cuts concrete's CO2 footprint by up to 70%, with carbon-sinking additives pushing it climate-positive.

5.      LIGHTYX ↗ (opens in new tab) uses a laser-projection system that puts BIM plans directly onto floors, walls, and ceilings at sub-2mm accuracy, replacing chalk lines and tape measures for layout crews.

Inaugural APAC Pitch Day Gold Winner

8         Gold Winner Civils.ai ↗ (opens in new tab) earned a 10,000 Euro cash prize sponsored by Meta, entry to the CSC's top 30 which stand a chance to compete in the Global Finals, and access to one of the most influential networks of venture capital and stakeholders in the BE industry. As the inaugural APAC Pitch Day Gold Winner, Civils.ai ↗ (opens in new tab) blazed the trail for BE startups across the APAC region. It also joins an exclusive club of CSC finalist startups that have collectively secured over US$1 billion in investments.

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Download the PDF version of the media release here. [PDF, 405.67 KB] ↗ (opens in new tab)

About BCA

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) champions a safe, sustainable, and liveable built environment for Singapore. As a leader in the sector, BCA is dedicated to driving industry transformation and setting rigorous standards in building safety, quality, and environmental sustainability. By advancing innovation, digitalisation, and the development of a skilled workforce, BCA fosters a dynamic industry that is ready to meet the evolving needs of the nation and build a resilient and progressive built environment for all. For more information, visit www.bca.gov.sg ↗ (opens in new tab)

About Construction Startup Competition

Since its first edition in 2017, startups from more than 80 countries have participated in the biggest challenge aimed at startups in the construction industry, the Construction Startup Competition. Many startups have gone on to collaborate with the participating companies after applying to the Competition. Given the global outreach of its partners, the 2026 edition expects to see an increase in the number of applications, to identify the most innovative solutions around the world, continue growing the Contech ecosystem and begin agile adoption of applicants’ innovative technologies and business models.  For more information, visit www.constructionstartupcompetition.tech ↗ (opens in new tab).  

ANNEX – 10th Edition of the Construction Startup Competition (CSC)

Now in its landmark 10th edition, the Construction Startup Competition (CSC) continues to connect emerging companies with leading corporates, investors, and industry decision-makers seeking scalable solutions to some of construction’s most pressing challenges. Startups selected for the programme will gain access to strategic visibility, valuable industry connections, potential pilot opportunities, and exposure to capital partners across a global innovation ecosystem.

CSC2026 will conclude with three flagship Pitch Days, designed to connect startups with regional innovation hubs and global industry leaders. Finalists will have the opportunity to present their solutions in the APAC Pitch Day in Singapore, the European Pitch Day in Helsinki, and US Pitch Day in Las Vegas.

This year’s edition introduces five strategic focus areas aligned with the sector’s evolving priorities:

1.      Preconstruction Tech: Technologies that use data, analytics, and digital planning to improve decision-making before construction begins.

2.      Jobsite Productivity & Building Systems: Solutions that optimise on-site execution by improving labour, equipment, and building system performance.

3.      ClimaTech for the Built World: Technologies that reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and enable sustainability across buildings and construction.

4.      Smart Manufacturing & Logistics: Digital and automated solutions that enhance production efficiency, supply chain coordination, and material flows.

5.      Smart Buildings and Infrastructure: Connected systems that use data, sensors, and automation to operate buildings and infrastructure more efficiently, safely, and intelligently.

Through these categories, the Competition aims to spotlight the technologies driving greater efficiency, resilience, sustainability, and performance across the construction value chain. 

Organising Partners of the Construction Startup Competition

About Cemex Ventures

Launched in 2017, Cemex Ventures focuses on helping overcome the main challenges and capitalizing on the opportunity areas in the construction ecosystem through sustainable solutions. Cemex Ventures has developed an open collaborative platform to lead the revolution of the construction industry, engaging startups, entrepreneurs, universities, and other stakeholders to tackle the challenges in the construction environment and shape the industry’s future. For more information on Cemex Ventures, please visit: www.cemexventures.com ↗ (opens in new tab)

About Caterpillar

With 2024 sales and revenues of $64.8 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment. Visit us at caterpillar.com ↗ (opens in new tab) or join the conversation on our social media channels at caterpillar.com/en/news/social-media.html ↗ (opens in new tab)

About Dysruptek

Formed in 2018, Dysruptek is the venture investment arm of The Haskell Company. Dysruptek seeks to invest in disruptive Architecture, Engineering and Construction technologies reshaping the built world. Dysruptek acts as an agent of change and partner to innovators driving meaningful impact across the industry. Invest. Invent. Innovate. For more information, please visit: www.dysruptek.com ↗ (opens in new tab)

About BCA

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) of Singapore champions a safe, sustainable, and liveable built environment for Singapore. As a leader in the sector, BCA is dedicated to driving industry transformation and setting rigorous standards in building safety, quality, and environmental sustainability. By advancing innovation, digitalisation, and the development of a skilled workforce, BCA fosters a dynamic industry that is ready to meet the evolving needs of the nation and build a resilient and progressive built environment for all. For more information, visit www.bca.gov.sg ↗ (opens in new tab)

About the Hilti Group

The Hilti Group supplies the worldwide construction and energy industries with technologically leading products, systems, software and services. With more than 34,000 team members in over 120 countries the company stands for direct customer relationships, quality and innovation. Hilti generated annual sales of more than CHF 6.4 billion in 2024 and invests approximately 7 percent of sales in research and development each year. The company is privately owned by the Martin Hilti Family Trust, which ensures its long-term continuity. The Hilti Group’s purpose is making construction better, based on a passionate and inclusive global team and a caring and performance-oriented culture. With more than 280,000 daily interactions with customers, Hilti knows that the most innovative ideas are born on the jobsite. To learn more, please visit: www.hilti.group ↗ (opens in new tab)

About VINCI Group’s Leonard

Leonard is the innovation and foresight platform set up by VINCI, a global player in concessions, energy and construction businesses, employing more than 280,000 people in more than 120 countries. Leonard was created to imagine the future of the Group’s business lines and is tasked with watching emerging trends in VINCI’s areas of expertise and markets, identifying new growth opportunities, and setting up incubation and acceleration programs for Group employees as well as start-ups. Each year, Leonard supports the acceleration and development of over 40 of the best innovative projects in construction, mobility, energy and real estate. To house these programs and start conversations with all the people blazing new trails in VINCI’s business lines, Leonard opened Leonard: Paris, a 4,500 square meters lab in Paris. Since 2020, Leonard has been expanding operation in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Latin America. To find out more about Leonard: https://leonard.vinci.com/en/ ↗ (opens in new tab)

About NOVA By Saint-Gobain

NOVA by Saint-Gobain identifies forward-thinking startups around the world that align with Saint-Gobain strategy and focus on sustainability to help nurture their companies to scale through strategic partnerships and investments. With a presence in Asia, Europe, North and South America, NOVA connects the global startup community with the power, resources, and experience of Saint-Gobain to address the needs of today and challenges of tomorrow. Learn more by visiting https://www.nova-saint-gobain.com ↗ (opens in new tab) and www.saint-gobain.com ↗ (opens in new tab)

About Trimble

Trimble is a global technology company that connects the physical and digital worlds, transforming the ways work gets done. With relentless innovation in precise positioning, modeling and data analytics, Trimble enables essential industries including construction, geospatial and transportation. Whether it's helping customers build and maintain infrastructure, design and construct buildings, optimize global supply chains or map the world, Trimble is at the forefront, driving productivity and progress. For more information about Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB), visit: www.trimble.com ↗ (opens in new tab)

About Zacua Ventures

Zacua Ventures is a dynamic, early-stage venture capital fund dedicated to tackling the most pressing challenges in Sustainability, Productivity, and Urbanization within the built environment, on a global scale. With our strategic footprint in North America, Europe, and Asia, Zacua Ventures actively supports the most visionary and forward-thinking entrepreneurs. Our mission is to not only fortify their value propositions but also facilitate the global expansion of their ventures, leveraging extensive corporate networks. Zacua has a robust backing from industry-leading corporations worldwide, across the entire value chain of the industry, establishing a distinctive value proposition for our portfolio startups by fostering direct relationships with leading building material manufacturers, contractors, engineering companies, developers, and software companies. Zacua is led by partners with over three decades of combined industry expertise, who, for the past decade, have been at the forefront of investing in cutting-edge construction technology. Discover how Zacua Ventures is shaping the future of the built environment by empowering visionary entrepreneurs at www.zacuaventures.com ↗ (opens in new tab)

About Ferrovial

Ferrovial is one of the world’s leading companies. The Company operates in more than 15 countries and has a workforce of over 25,000 worldwide. Ferrovial is triple listed on Euronext Amsterdam, the Spanish Stock Exchanges, and Nasdaq (Nasdaq 100 Index) and is a member of Spain’s blue-chip IBEX 35 index. It is also included in globally recognised sustainability indices such as the Dow Jones Best in Class Index (former Dow Jones Sustainability Index), and all its operations are conducted in compliance with the principles of the UN Global Compact, which the Company adopted in 2002. For more information on Ferrovial, please visit: www.ferrovial.com ↗ (opens in new tab)

^[1] Source: Cemex Ventures Top 50 Startups Report 2025: https://www.cemexventures.com/top-50/ ↗ (opens in new tab)

^[2] Out of 6 APAC Track winners, 5 start-ups had accepted the invitation to pitch at the inaugural APAC Pitch Day in Singapore. The 6 APCA Track winners are Arbel.AI ↗ (opens in new tab), Bton, Civils.AI ↗ (opens in new tab), Concrete.AI ↗ (opens in new tab), Bton.io ↗ (opens in new tab), and Lightyx.