Specifically, Hitachi Construction Machinery is looking for solutions in three areas: In transforming construction planning, the focus is on optimizing costs, time, and CO2 emissions, as well as leveraging connected machinery. The implementation of matchmaking solutions and monitoring and updating of results also fall into this category. In the “revolutionizing equipment” segment, the focus is on innovative interfaces for operating devices and adaptive solutions for autonomous operation. The third topic area addresses transforming fleet management. Here, the focus is on minimizing machine downtime and optimizing and monitoring their deployment.
The challenge offers startups from the construction industry not only the opportunity to present their ideas directly to decision-makers and establish contacts with partners from Hitachi Construction Machinery’s network. They also have the chance to leverage the company’s knowledge, data, and distribution structures to develop a paid pilot project. In addition, participants can look forward to expert mentoring.
Apply for the Hitachi Construction Machinery Challenge
Apply if you are a startup with a test-ready solution at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 or higher. Startups can come from anywhere in the world, but they must also be capable of potentially operating and scaling their solution. The jury will evaluate—alongside the alignment with Hitachi Construction Machinery’s strategy—the maturity level of the solution as well as existing customers, projects, and use cases. The experience of the founding team will also be assessed.
The application deadline is September 27. Selected startups will be invited to pitch in Atlanta in November. There, they can present themselves and their solution to a panel of executives from Hitachi Construction Machinery and partners. Those who succeed here will then have the opportunity to test a paid prototype and, if successful, scale with the company.
Further information and the option to register can be found here.
