Frequent asked questions

How can I join the Accelerator Program ?

To participate in the program :

  • Fill out the registration form here,
  • If you are preselected you will receive an invitation to register on the Accelerator Platform (please check your spam folder),
  • Create your profile on the platform and access,
  • Submit your solution idea (published project page on the platform) by the 27 of March 2022.
Is there a selection process for participants ?

Yes, there will be 2 selection phases:

  • 28 March - 10 April selection based on your published project page,
  • 11 - 30 April final selection based on 1:1 interviews with stakeholders of the country team.
How will the onboarding be ?

You will have an onboarding call in the beginning of May to get to know your team. After that we organise a serie of online events:

  • 10th May: Welcome Day for all countries
  • followed by 2 Half Days for Sprints: Roadmap finalisation with country team, networking and mentors sessions.
  • 31 May: Presentation of Roadmap to all partners and teams.
What is the 6-months Accelerator Program ?

The selected startups will be developing their solution during these 6 months together with the country team, following the action plan determined during the Sprint Week. Depending on each challenge, there will be external mentors available, resources and follow up meetings & online events.

What is expected from the startups at the end of the Accelerator program ?

At the end of the Accelerator program startups are expected to deliver the following :

  • POCs or pilot tests,
  • Detailed study of business cases,
  • A 10-min pitch,
  • A slides presentation.
What is going to happen during the final demo days ?

13 - 15 December 2022: The selected startups will pitch their solution and showcase a demo of a MVP in front of the different stakeholders at the end of the program. This will be a 3 Day Onsite event at Holcims R&D Center in Lyon, France.
An exciting program is planned including the Opening & Closing ceremony and more.
During this week, transport (up to 300€ per person), meals and accommodation (up to 3 nights) will be provided.

Does my startup need to be linked to the construction industry ?

No, it is basically possible that your solution, if it fits, could become an enhancement of the construction industry. However, a knowledge or previous experience with this industry is highly recommended.

What is the Accelerator platform ?

It is a virtual platform for selected startups to watch webinars, engage with experts, mentors and access the challenge resources. You will also create and submit your solution project through this platform. To participate, you need to register and submit your idea on this platform.

Who can join ?

The Holcim Accelerator Season 3 is open to innovative startups with the capacity to develop a new solution or repurpose their existing solution.
Yes — you have until the 27th of March 2022, at 11:59 PM (CET) to submit your solution idea on the Accelerator platform. Maximum 18 projects will be selected to continue the program starting with the Sprint Week.

What is the selection criteria ?

You will find the selection criteria for each challenge in the dedicated one pager of each country challenge.

Why join the Holcim Accelerator Season 3 ?
  • Seize this opportunity to confront the global challenge in carbon efficient construction and create next-level solutions that have an high impact,
  • Access real-world insights from the industry's top players,
  • Network with experts and other stakeholders from the construction industry during this unbeatable experience,
  • Benefit from high visibility as you present your solution,
  • Get the chance to potentially implement your solution and collaborate with your country team.
Who owns the intellectual property of the projects ?

The applicant retains sole and exclusive ownership of its Intellectual Property Rights acquired prior to the Program or that the applicant may develop or acquire thereafter.
After the selection, an NDA will be signed between the selected startup and all the corporate partners of the accelerator. The NDA will cover all the work and type of results expected during the acceleration phase of 6 months.

If I have any other questions regarding the hackathon, who can I contact ?

Please reach out to leila@bemyapp.com with any questions regarding the organization of the hackathon program.