ENCORD Startup Award

"We received some fantastic entries last year and cannot wait to see what innovations this year’s entrants will showcase”.

René Schumann, HOCHTIEF ViCon, ENCORD board member

Could you be this year's winner?

The ENCORD Start Up Award is back for 2026!

Last year, Comstruct won our inaugural award and the chance to showcase their business to major construction companies around Europe, could you be this year’s winner?.

Enter your start up

What are the benefits of entering?

Network with decision makers from Europe’s leading contractors
The opportunity to pitch to the ENCORD Council in person
A cash prize for the top three start ups
The ability to use the ENCORD Start Up award winner logo on marketing and comms materials
Promotion on the ENCORD website and social media channels

Who can participate?

You can participate if:

Your company was founded within the last 5 years.
Your company primarily serves the European construction industry.
Your product or service can add value to ENCORD members.
You have a market-ready product or service, meaning you can demonstrate that at least a minimum viable product (MVP) has been tested in real-world conditions.
Your product or service is innovative.

We reserve the right to exclude you from the competition if:

you or any associate of your startup engages in activities that, in our sole discretion, may harm the reputation of ENCORD or its members;
if there is a conflict of interest, such as a close personal or professional relationship with a member of the jury;
if your company is a fully consolidated subsidiary of a larger corporation;
if you are affiliated with another company that has applied to the competition.

Timeline

1

November 17 2025 to 13 January 2026

Apply using the form below and receive further instructions

2

30 January 2026

Last day to upload 7 minute Pitch Video

3

01 Febuary - 20 February 2026

Review period by ENCORD jury

4

20 February 2026

Announcement and promotion of winner(s)

5

13 March 2026

Winner(s) pitch to full ENCORD council

What are the selection criteria?

The ENCORD Startup Award is dedicated to recognizing startups in construction that are shaping the future of the European construction industry. Our selection criteria are designed to identify and reward innovations that demonstrate excellence, impact, and potential.

Key criteria include:

1. Innovation and Uniqueness

We look for startups that offer novel solutions or approaches. This includes the use of cutting-edge technology, unique methodologies, or creative problem-solving in construction.

2. Market Readiness

Startups must present market-ready products or services. This criterion evaluates the feasibility, scalability, and practical application of the innovation within the construction industry.

3. Value Addition

The proposed solutions should provide clear benefits to ENCORD members and the wider construction community. This could be through cost savings, efficiency improvements, sustainability, or enhancing safety and quality.

4. Impact and Sustainability

Innovations should have a positive impact on the environment, society, or the construction sector. Sustainable practices and contributions to the broader goals of environmental stewardship and social responsibility are highly valued.

5. Presentation and Communication

The clarity, professionalism, and persuasiveness of the video pitch and supporting materials will also be considered. This includes how well the startup can articulate its value proposition and potential impact.

Each submission will be carefully reviewed by a jury of industry experts and ENCORD members, who will assess these criteria to select the most promising startups for the award.

How do I enter?

Fill in the form below
The ENCORD Jury will review your application based on conditions listed above
You will receive instructions on how to submit your pitch video
Upload a 7 minute pitch video
The videos will be evaluated by the ENCORD jury
The ENCORD jury will select the winner(s)

Start your application!

Please use the form to register your application.

You will be sent an e-Mail with further instructions on how to submit your pitch video.

Your data will not be used for any other purposes!

Start up application