Top 10 Construction Trends & Innovations for 2024

What role is technology playing in enhancing the efficiency of buildings and construction operations? Dive into our data-driven analysis of over 3500+ companies highlighting key construction trends, such as advanced building information modeling (BIM), robotics, innovative materials, and more!

The construction industry is leveraging technology to make construction management and site operations more efficient and sustainable. The major construction trends include building information modeling (BIM), construction robotics, and the use of advanced building materials. Further, the COVID-19 pandemic creates the need for newer ways of construction that adhere to worker safety and regulations. Hence, startups and scaleups increasingly develop innovations around prefabrication, worker safety, and construction robotics. Parallelly, 3D printing and green building solutions significantly reduce the negative impacts of construction on the environment.

This article was published in June 2021 and updated in February 2024.

Innovation Map outlines the Top 10 Construction Industry Trends & 20 Promising Startups

For this in-depth research on the Top Construction Industry Trends & Startups, we analyzed a sample of 3550 global startups & scaleups. This data-driven research provides innovation intelligence that helps you improve strategic decision-making by giving you an overview of emerging technologies in the construction industry. In the Construction Management Trends & Innovation Map, you get a comprehensive overview of the innovation trends & startups that impact your company.

What Trends are Hot in the Construction Industry (2024)?

  1. Building Information Modeling
  2. Construction Robotics
  3. Construction Project Management
  4. Advanced Building Materials
  5. Offsite Construction
  6. Construction Worker Safety
  7. Construction Monitoring
  8. Green Buildings
  9. 3D Printing
  10. Connected Construction Sites

 

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These insights are derived by working with our Big Data & Artificial Intelligence-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, covering 3 790 000+ startups & scaleups globally. As the world’s largest resource for data on emerging companies, the SaaS platform enables you to identify relevant technologies and industry trends quickly & exhaustively.

Tree Map reveals the Impact of the Top 10 Construction Innovations in 2024

Based on the Construction Innovation Map, the Tree Map below illustrates the impact of the top 10 building construction technology trends in 2024. Companies prefer a more collaborative approach and make the overall construction lifecycle much more transparent. Solutions to this end include advanced BIM software and cloud-based management tools. Companies also use construction robots to shorten construction time by increasing the accuracy of construction processes.

Moreover, the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) and reality technologies, such as augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) ensures worker safety and connects job sites. Advanced building materials have enhanced properties and fit modern construction methods like modular and sustainable construction. Additionally, new construction technology digitalizes construction monitoring and inspection, making it easier for construction planners and site supervisors. 3D Printing automates the construction process and reduces the need for a manual workforce while also offering higher flexibility.

 

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Global Startup Heat Map covers 3550 Construction Startups & Scaleups

The Global Startup Heat Map below highlights the global distribution of the 3550 exemplary startups & scaleups that we analyzed for this research. Created through the StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, the Heat Map reveals that the US is home to most of these companies while we also observe increased activity in the UK, Germany, and the rest of Europe.

Below, you get to meet 20 out of these 3550 promising startups & scaleups as well as the solutions they develop. These 20 startups were hand-picked based on criteria such as founding year, location, funding raised, and more. Depending on your specific needs, your top picks might look entirely different.

 

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Interested to explore all 3500+ construction startups & scaleups?

Top 10 Trends in Construction (2024)

1. Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Building planning and designing, a collaborative process involving engineers, architects, builders, and clients, faces challenges with traditional methods due to difficulties in visualizing real-time changes. This often leads to multiple versions of the same plan, causing confusion. Advanced BIM tools address this by offering a central database for a single shared model.

5D BIM incorporates cost and time overlays, while 6D BIM includes energy budgeting. These tools detect clashes early and enhance workflow efficiency. Additionally, the integration of AR and VR with BIM facilitates rapid testing in simulated environments. The BIM market is estimated to grow from USD 8.72 billion in 2024 to USD 16.72 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 13.90% during this period.

VisualLive enables Immersive BIM Visualization

US-based startup VisualLive develops immersive BIM visualizations for construction sites. The startup uses cloud computing to import large-size BIM files into HoloLens wearables and mobile devices while maintaining all geometries, textures, and materials. The downloadable plugin generates a unique QR code for each model in BIM.

The mobile application then scans the code to overlay the model on the actual construction site. By using the solution, construction planners detect design errors before construction begins, hence, saving costs and time.

BIMCRONE develops Advanced BIM Software

Turkish startup BIMCRONE develops advanced BIM software that allows all construction stakeholders to manage, report, and monitor their projects in real-time in a single platform. It provides pre-construction features like revision management, team collaboration, and clash detection.

During construction, BIMCRONE enables collaboration, asset management, delay analysis, field monitoring, change management, and overall project management. The solution also offers post-construction solutions where stakeholders track asset availability and manage financial transactions.

2. Construction Robotics

The construction industry remains highly labor-intensive, involving numerous repetitive and time-consuming tasks. Robotics and automation can expedite these processes, reducing human errors and fatigue-related losses. Collaborative robots, for instance, automate tasks like bricklaying, welding, rebar tying, and painting with high precision.

Robotics solutions extend to automating heavy equipment and fleets for excavation, transportation, load lifting, concrete works, and demolition, enhancing worker safety and cutting down operational time. The use of robotics in construction automation boosts project productivity, decreases labor needs, and ensures safety in performing dangerous or hazardous tasks.

Advanced Construction Robotics develops Rebar Tying Robots

Based out of the US, Advanced Construction Robotics is a startup developing rebar-tying robots to automate rebar installation. The startup’s TyBot and IronBot solutions perform repetitive and backbreaking tasks of rebar installation using artificial intelligence and computer vision. TyBot eliminates the need for manual mapping and calibration by auto-locating, auto-positioning, and tying up to 110 rebar intersections per hour.

IronBot, on the other hand, relieves the burden of the heavy lifting by placing 5,000-pound bundles of both transverse and longitudinal rebar. Hence, it saves schedule time and reduces the risk of injuries as it does not require pre-mapping, programming, and calibration. The startup’s solutions increase workforce productivity while keeping them safe.

Weston Robot develops Autonomous Heavy Equipment

Singaporean startup Weston Robot provides autonomous heavy equipment for load lifting, logistics, patrolling, inspection, and disinfection. The startup develops a range of solutions including back-support exoskeletons to reduce strain when lifting heavy objects. It also develops shoulder exoskeletons to enable workers to perform chest-to-ceiling level tasks for longer durations.

Further, it has a leg support exoskeleton that reduces muscle strain in the quadriceps around the knee joint. The startup also offers Outdoor UGV Hunters and Rough Terrain Bunker Robots to automate on-site delivery and disinfection tasks. Weston Robot improves productivity by replacing time- and energy-consuming tasks with independent robots.

3. Construction Project Management

Digital project management, an emerging trend in the construction industry, leverages cloud-based software to meet quality, time, and cost objectives. Established principles guide each construction phase, with project managers initially employing AI-based predictive algorithms to assess project viability. Post-approval, milestones are set and resources are allocated using enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.

Cloud-based tools, in addition to ERP, provide transparency and facilitate large data storage. These tools are also used by managers to monitor task progress and identify bottlenecks. As projects near completion, blockchain-based smart contracts are utilized to confirm legal commitments and guard against financial fraud. Digital project management in construction thus minimizes waste, enhances workforce productivity, and ensures timely project completion.

buildbuild makes a Project Management Platform for Builders

Cypriot startup buildbuild develops a construction project management platform. It allows project managers to assign jobs and workers to accept them through an app. It also offers real-time reports and allows companies to manage cash gaps with ease by quickly tracking cash flow schedules.

Moreover, buildbuild’s platform enables stakeholders to automatically track project budget progress and assign tasks with specific deadlines and responsibilities. This offers a centralized platform to manage construction projects.

Imperium builds Construction Management Software

Turkish startup Imperium develops construction management software that offers a suite of specialized features for the construction industry. Key functionalities include technical office management for streamlined discovery, contract, and progress billing processes, work schedule planning, and purchase order tracking.

The software also enhances quality and safety with features like damage-deficiency lists and inspections. Financial management and sales tracking modules further aid in project oversight. Imperium’s platform, accessible via web, mobile, and tablet, integrates field and office operations, ensuring real-time project monitoring and decision-making.

4. Advanced Building Materials

With the construction industry’s move towards modular and eco-friendly methods, advanced building materials are becoming integral to new construction practices. Innovative and sustainable materials like 3D-printed concrete and basalt are replacing traditional ones. Self-healing concrete, utilizing bacteria, exemplifies materials derived from living organisms gaining traction. Sustainable options like mycelium composites, bioplastics, and biofoam are also part of this trend.

Another category of cutting-edge materials includes aerogel, graphene, spider silk, carbon composites, hydroceramics, and nanomaterials, known for their lightness and high water-holding capacity. Advanced wood and aluminum materials such as bamboo, cross-laminated timber, transparent woods, and aluminum foam offer enhanced strength and biodegradability. Startups are actively exploring new sustainable materials that are durable, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient.

Graphenglass develops Graphene-based Construction Materials

Spanish startup Graphenglass develops graphene-based construction materials. The startup develops graphene-based architectural products that include solar protection, component assembly, and wind facades.

Its compact graphene features properties such as surface hydrophobicity, flame-retardant, color consistency for outdoor exposition, and mechanical strength. These features make it suitable for use in extreme environments. The solution benefits builders and owners, as well as the environment, by improving the energy efficiency of buildings.

Recoma makes Recyclable Construction Boards

Recoma is a Swedish startup that creates recyclable construction boards. The startup recycles otherwise difficult-to-recycle beverage cartons to use them in its boards. The plastic binds the pieces of cartons and functions as a waterproofing surface and the reflective properties of aluminum in beverage cartons add to higher insulation value.

As a result, the resulting material does not require deforestation or mining of natural materials as well as does not need additives or chemicals. Builders utilize the startup’s construction boards to reduce the carbon emissions of buildings.

5. Offsite Construction

Offsite construction, a rising trend in the construction industry, involves the design, manufacture, and fabrication of building components in a controlled factory setting. Unlike traditional construction, where weather conditions can escalate costs through contingency fees and additional labor hours, offsite construction offers a more sustainable, safe, and quality-focused approach. It utilizes innovative materials, 3D printing technology, and new assembly methods.

This approach includes volumetric construction, encompassing modular and pod construction, which facilitates the prefabrication of large 3D structures like rooms and entire homes. Another aspect is panelized construction, where factories produce flat panels for walls, floors, or roofs, commonly used in modern commercial buildings for partitions and structural supports. Consequently, startups are offering modular construction solutions as alternatives to conventional construction practices.

Mechanical Modular Solution (MMS) manufactures Prefabricated Buildings

Irish startup Mechanical Modular Solution designs and builds prefabricated building parts. MMS specializes in prefabrication and off-site construction and updates its PODular technology regularly. The startup uses volumetric construction techniques to build modules like low and medium-voltage switchgear systems, battery rooms, control and projection rooms, and substations for electrical purposes.

They also build low-temperature hot water rooms (LTHW), cooling pump rooms, and processes that interface buildings for mechanical infrastructure. Under laboratory construction, MMS builds biohazard labs and other modular rooms for pharma and biotech applications.

Guerdon offers Modular Construction Technology

US-based startup Guerdon builds large off-site modular technology for large construction projects and multi-family housing. Guerdon develops systems-built IBC/IRC code products using factory-built modular construction technology. The startup focuses on large-scale projects ranging from multi-family modular townhomes and apartments to office buildings, schools, military barracks, senior housing, and more.

They work with climate-control settings and also comply with industry-standard building codes. While Guerdon manufactures building parts in the factory, it also does site work and parallelly constructs foundations to save time and reduce cost. This solution is sustainable and delivers consistent quality.

 

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6. Construction Worker Safety

Companies in the construction industry, traditionally focused on minimizing labor costs, are increasingly prioritizing worker safety and strictly adhering to safety regulations. Immersive technologies help prevent potential onsite accidents, while Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) serves as a critical safeguard. Construction firms employ AI algorithms to foresee hazards and implement safety measures proactively.

Virtual Reality (VR) technologies offer immersive training for field workers, reducing the likelihood of accidents in hazardous tasks. Augmented Reality (AR) enables fabricators to visually examine objects in detail. For enhanced worker safety, companies equip PPE with IoT sensors that detect and transmit data on vibrations, temperature, heart rate, and steps for analysis. This technology allows supervisors to remotely monitor workers’ health and productivity. Advanced safety products thus protect workers and reduce physical and financial risks for companies.

KairosXR provides Immersive Training Tools

US-based startup KairosXR provides interactive training tools for the construction industry. The startup converts 2D courses into extended reality (XR)-based occupational 3D solutions. The startup uploads virtual models to its web-based content management system (CMS) and enables users to simulate the real environment. The company also provides VR-based site safety training modules to help managers and supervisors train construction workers and virtually identify project risks.

AutoSafe advances Safety Automation in Construction Sites

AutoSafe is a Hong Kong-based startup that automates safety on construction sites. The startup’s smart site safety system combines IoT sensors and AI to provide real-time monitoring and analysis of construction site activities. It detects safety hazards like workers entering restricted areas or unsafe working practices and alerts managers.

The startup’s AI detects workers and machines in the frame as well as identifies unsafe acts and conditions to maintain a safer environment. With the startup’s system, construction companies are able to reduce accidents on-site and ensure worker safety.

7. Construction Monitoring

Construction projects, spread across vast geographical areas and involving numerous assets and human resources, challenge manual monitoring efforts. Inaccessible areas on construction sites require regular inspection, leading companies to adopt technology for efficient construction monitoring. The value of monitoring varies, ranging from basic audit functions (CM1) to comprehensive quality assurance (QA).

Cutting-edge monitoring and inspection methods combine drone-based surveillance with LIDAR or thermal sensors. To enhance worker productivity, construction sites employ high-definition (HD) cameras and AI-driven facial recognition. Robots, equipped with sensor technologies, accurately detect structural faults and failures, surpassing manual inspection methods. Consequently, startups are providing services and products to boost the overall efficiency of construction monitoring.

AI Clearing performs Drone-based Monitoring

US-based startup AI Clearing uses AI to monitor and track construction progress digitally. The startup’s SaaS solution, AI-Heart, performs advanced 4D geospatial analytics on data captured by drones or other devices. Drone-based monitoring generates automatic visual reports of the site data to shorten the monitoring time and detect discrepancies early.

AI and geographic information system (GIS)-based analytics automate infrastructure monitoring which consequently decreases supervision costs and mitigates litigation risk. Moreover, the solution offers transparency as all processes are managed through a project database.

Holoarch develops Building Inspection Robots

Israeli startup Holoarch uses cloud-based and hardware solutions to facilitate indoor inspection on construction sites. The startup’s robotic solution Holobot is an autonomous drone that scans construction sites and reports errors to the inspection authorities.

Holobot uses high-resolution LIDAR point clouds to scan the building even in GPS-denied areas. The data is then transmitted to AI-based servers for analysis and error detection. The startup’s building inspection robots reduce monitoring costs while significantly speeding up inspection processes and quality.

8. Green Buildings

Sustainability is central to many emerging trends in the construction industry. Identifying sustainable materials or processes for construction projects is currently time-consuming and costly. The concept of green building, which adopts eco-friendly measures from pre-construction to project closure and decommissioning, is gaining popularity. Green buildings optimize energy and resource use, minimize waste during construction, and enable net-zero carbon emissions.

Buildings are certified as green or sustainable based on these criteria, with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) from the U.S. Green Building Council being a notable certification. More construction materials are now LEED-certified. Green buildings represent the future of the construction industry, with startups developing solutions to support eco-friendly construction. The global green buildings market size is projected to reach around USD 1169 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 9.5% from 2023 to 2032.

Effective Building creates a Green Building Materials Database

Israeli startup Effective Building provides a green building materials database to assist construction companies in implementing green building projects. The startup collects technical and functional data of certified green products and allows users to filter for materials by technical properties.

Effective Building thus simplifies the process of material selection for all green building projects and significantly accelerates material sourcing for projects. The startup aims to make green buildings affordable and accessible for all building and construction professionals.

Cove conducts Data Analytics for Green Building Implementation

US-based startup Cove develops a data analytics software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform that provides energy, daylight, cost, carbon, and water analysis. It helps architects, engineers, contractors, and developers generate data-driven designs for their buildings. The software automates performance modeling and consequently saves time and money for construction companies.

The startup delivers AI-based analysis at the pace of the project, with specific inputs to help stakeholders make informed decisions about investments, designs, and resources. Further, the platform-agnostic workflow allows different teams and processes to collaborate within a shared digital workspace.

9. 3D Printing

3D printing in construction, also known as additive construction, offers a sustainable and efficient approach to building. This method involves using construction printers to either create entire buildings or prefabricate specific building components. Employing a robotic technique, 3D printing constructs designs layer by layer using advanced materials, often in conjunction with BIM. This process allows for high design flexibility without requiring traditional formwork.

Techniques employed in 3D printing include extrusion, powder bonding, and additive welding. This method generates less waste and demands fewer labor resources compared to conventional brick construction. Being fully automated and programmed, 3D construction printing reduces human error and enhances productivity. Numerous startups are now producing 3D printers and providing printing services for both small-scale and large-scale construction projects.

Twente Additive Manufacturing offers 3D Construction Printers

Dutch startup Twente Additive Manufacturing builds 3D construction printers. The startup provides architectural structures and evaluates the designs in-house using finite element analysis. The startup uses several 3D printing technologies including gantry, delta, swing-arm, and boom. They provide 3D printers with different axes and configurations based on the project requirements.

The startup provides laboratory and entry-level printers for small-scale printing for indoor operations. Further, it offers mid-size and mobile printers suitable for the production of small and medium parts. The startup also offers large-scale 3D printers that facilitate 24×7 production for large single-element creations.

3D Build Systems enables 3D Concrete Printing

US-based startup 3D Build Systems builds concrete printing robots that create durable, scalable, and customizable structures using a concrete mixture. It targets the workforce, skilled, veteran, and retirement markets to provide them with economical and cost-effective solutions. ts 3D concrete printing technology serves the needs of large-scale construction and immediate housing.

The startup’s robotic solution significantly reduces construction time by printing walls in 12-24 hours. Moreover, the robots are compatible with any 3D modeling software and also print up to a height of 7 meters. The startup provides economical and well-constructed housing using robotics and 3D printing technology.

10. Connected Construction Sites

Ensuring project success in construction involves managing its many dynamic components effectively. One key strategy is to connect construction sites, establishing structured workflows and integrating data at every construction stage, thus providing stakeholders with the necessary information. Connected construction sites integrate people, processes, and information through AR, VR, AI, robotics, and wearables.

IoT technologies, combined with AI, facilitate predictive logistics that enhance worker safety and optimize inventory, reducing wastage and costs. Computer vision provides instant support and guidance, linking construction sites directly with the main office. These solutions empower managers to make quicker, more informed decisions using real-time data.

SafeAI offers Construction Automation

US-based startup SafeAI retrofits existing equipment to automate construction operations. The SafeAI Autonomous Platform deploys AI and task-specific autonomous vehicle technology to offer mixed fleets for any need.

The startup offers a device kit that converts heavy assets into self-operating robots, which consequently increases operational field efficiency. It automates heavy trucks, dozers, and loaders, increasing productivity without replacing existing equipment.

ViiBE provides AR Calling Software for Construction Sites

French startup ViiBE develops video assistance software for construction field operations. The software reduces on-site travel and enables on-call guidance, diagnosis, and resolution. The software provides AR calling between the field and distant office experts in the same augmented environment. It allows experts to collaborate more effectively with the ground staff. This improves communication efficiency which, in turn, reduces machine downtime and increases productivity.

Discover all Construction Technologies and Startups

The Top 10 Construction Industry Trends significantly improve efficiency, worker safety, and construction speed, and implement sustainability practices. Collaborative robots, autonomous equipment, drone-based inspection, and laser-based terrain mapping reduce labor costs and increase accuracy. Further, companies use advanced materials such as self-healing concrete, engineered wood, and nanomaterials in modular construction and 3D printing.

The advanced construction technologies & startups outlined in this report only scratch the surface of trends that we identified during our in-depth research. Among others, advanced operations and green buildings will transform industries as we know them today. Identifying new opportunities and emerging technologies to implement into your business early on goes a long way in gaining a competitive advantage. Get in touch to easily and exhaustively scout relevant technologies & startups that matter to you.

 

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