Building materials company
LafargeHolcim says the Maqer unit, which was set up at the end of 2018, will encourage the open innovation trend and link the heavy industry and tech sectors.
Maqer is inviting start-ups, technology providers, universities and players in other industries to exploit the potential of greater links and long-term partnerships between the two sectors.
As a venture client, LafargeHolcim says it becomes the early-adopting client of a startup’s solution, even if its product, service or technology is still on a prototype stage.
"We do this to solve critical challenges across all LafargeHolcim business units and markets, leveraging the power of innovative startups," the company states. "The opportunities to apply startup solutions in the building materials industry are vast, from our quarries to the construction sites both in emerging as well as developed markets."
In the LafargeHolcim MAQER startups complete a paid pilot project in direct collaboration with the business unit that benefits from the startup's innovation. In addition to working directly with a business unit, startups can network with key LafargeHolcim decision makers and learn about the company's processes, strategies and people.
"The project leaders bring passion and fresh perspectives to our business, and in return we offer our experience, our expertise, and one of the world’s largest industrial networks as a test bed for their ideas," according to a statement on the Maqer website.
