Empowering the future of construction innovation

The Digital Built Accelerator is a specialized acceleration program designed to support startups with solutions in ConstruTech, ConTech and New Materials for construction that are ready to scale their solutions and transform the built environment.

Promoted by Técnico Venture Lab and powered by Unicorn Factory Lisboa, this program helps startups move from MVP to market traction through expert mentorship, direct interaction with industry stakeholders, and strategic support.

The program targets startups developing innovative and differentiated technological solutions that enhance the digitalization of the construction sector, particularly in the following priority areas:

CONTECH

Innovation and digital transformation in the construction sector, focusing on technologies, new business models and solutions that impact the entire asset lifecycle - from design to operation - while enhancing integration, efficiency, modernization, and transparency across the industry.
CONSTRUTECH

Direct application of technology in construction processes, particularly during the on-site execution phase. It includes solutions that increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve safety through automation, operational digitalization, and the introduction of new construction methods.
NEW MATERIALS

Development and application of advanced materials for in the construction that enhance performance, sustainability, and efficiency in the construction sector. This includes innovations that improve durability, reduce environmental impact, and enable new construction methods.

If you are building solutions that will shape the future of construction, infrastructure, and the built environment, this program is for you.

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Build the future of construction with us

Joining the Digital Built Accelerator means becoming part of a focused ecosystem designed to accelerate innovation in construction and the built environment.

Strategic Support
Market Validation
Industry Connections
Expert Mentorship
Product Maturation
Community & Network
Demo Day
International Reach

Built for the innovators of construction

For the innovators of the cities of tomorrow

For startups, including early-stage, with a clear vision for scaling their solutions that:

∎ Are developing innovative and differentiated technology-based solutions contributing to the digitalization and transformation of the construction sector.

∎ Have strong, committed founding teams, with the ability and availability to actively engage in all program activities.

∎ Are developing solutions that address real industry challenges, with potential for practical application and validation within the construction ecosystem.

∎ Have teams open to collaboration with industry stakeholders, including corporates, experts, and partners, and willing to iterate based on market feedback.

Priority Areas

CONSTRUTECH

∎ Sector digitalization (integrated platforms, interoperability)
∎ BIM and integrated information management
∎ Artificial intelligence and data analytics applied to construction
∎ Collaborative platforms and project management
∎ New business models (marketplaces, digital services)
∎ End-to-end value chain integration
CONTECH

∎ On-site automation and robotics
∎ 3D printing in construction
∎ Drones and site monitoring
∎ Lean construction and advanced planning
∎ Site management technologies (tracking, IoT)
∎ Construction site safety (wearables, sensors)
∎ Digital tools for execution and control
∎ Energy efficiency (e.g., Passive House, NZEB)
∎ Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
∎ Decarbonization of construction processes
∎ Sustainable modular construction
NEW MATERIALS

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∎ New Sustainable and low-carbon materials (e.g. alternative cements, recycled materials)
∎ High-performance materials (e.g. self-healing concrete, advanced composites)
∎ Smart materials with embedded functionalities (e.g. sensors, adaptive materials)
∎ Circular economy (reuse, recycling)
∎ Efficient resource management (water, energy)

Timeline

The Digital Built Accelerator runs as a hybrid program, combining online sessions with key in-person moments designed to foster collaboration and connection within the ecosystem.

In-person sessions will take place at Campus Oeiras of Instituto Superior Técnico, providing opportunities for founders to engage directly with mentors, industry experts and fellow startups.

Built within a leading innovation ecosystem

The Digital Built Accelerator combines the academic excellence of Instituto Superior Técnico, the entrepreneurial expertise of Técnico Venture Lab, and the global startup ecosystem of Unicorn Factory Lisboa, providing startups with the knowledge, network, and resources needed to scale impactful innovation.

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