40 Startups Drive the Shift Toward a New Way of Building at Construmat

Startups offering cutting-edge technologies and sustainable processes for the construction industry are taking center stage at Construmat, the trade show organized by Fira de Barcelona, held from May 20–22 at the Gran Via venue. The Spanish event features a dedicated area showcasing 40 emerging companies that exemplify how technological disruption is transforming the sector. These innovations range from AI-powered tools and modular construction systems to technical flooring that acts as solar panels, digital platforms for low-impact project management, and drones for construction site monitoring.

The startup zone at Construmat, organized in collaboration with Active Development, also includes an investment forum where investors, organizations, companies, and construction professionals can explore the latest digitalization trends and discover disruptive solutions first-hand. The forum features talks, networking events, and pitch sessions where startups present their projects. Construmat will also recognize the most outstanding startup of this edition with a special award.

Forum sessions will cover key topics such as digital transformation, circular economy, connectivity, the role of cybersecurity in construction digitalization, as well as funding and investment strategies, purpose-driven sales growth, and new construction methods.

Toward a More Digital, Efficient, and Sustainable Industry

ConTech—short for Construction Technology—is accelerating the transition toward a more digital, efficient, and sustainable construction model, a trend clearly reflected at Construmat 2025. These innovations incorporate digital tools, artificial intelligence, industrialization, and circular economy principles.

“Startups are reshaping how we approach construction. By integrating new technologies and disruptive models, they’re not only boosting efficiency but also addressing the sector’s challenges in more sustainable and cost-effective ways,” explains Joan Riera, consultant and president of Active Development.

Roger Bou, director of Construmat, adds: “Technological innovation has become a core pillar of Construmat. The fact that the startup zone has nearly doubled in size this year shows the key role that emerging companies are playing in the digital transformation of the sector.”

Sustainability as a Key Driver of Innovation

Many startups are focusing on advanced sensors and automated systems that optimize resource use and energy consumption. Others are developing sustainable materials like recycled concrete and cross-laminated timber. For example, DIIP AI uses artificial intelligence to improve building energy efficiency, while Benetics.io leverages Big Data for predictive analytics to enhance energy management and reduce the environmental impact of construction projects.

In the same vein, other interesting projects related to energy efficiency include those presented by Sunthalpy Engineering, which has developed an integrated climate control system that solely uses solar energy and low-enthalpy radiant surfaces, eliminating the need for air conditioning. Meanwhile, Solum transforms outdoor surfaces such as terraces and rooftops into sources of clean energy through solar panels that function as technical flooring.

Digital Platforms and BIM Integration

Digitalization is another major trend at Construmat 2025. Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital twins are revolutionizing how construction projects are designed, planned, and managed. Startups like Holedeck are developing innovative slab systems that integrate utilities directly into a building’s structure, optimizing resources and minimizing environmental impact. This leads to greater precision and reduced material use. Meanwhile, Dronica employs drone-based BIM modeling and surveying for construction monitoring across civil works and public spaces. Another example is Yutopias Systems, with a pioneering collaborative intelligence platform for sustainable building.

Project management is seeing the most widespread application of digital tools. TrowelApp, for example, is a digital platform that manages the full lifecycle of a construction project—from budgeting to invoicing—improving coordination and decision-making through quick access to essential data.

On the other hand, Brickcontrol is one of the platforms that optimizes the financial management of projects, allowing real-time tracking of budgets and improving decision-making. Meanwhile, Techtiva has created a project management software with modules for planning, budgeting, and cost control, enhancing real-time communication and visibility between the construction site and the office.

Modular Construction and Smart Monitoring

Modular and prefabricated construction is gaining traction as an efficient approach to cutting costs, shortening delivery times, and minimizing waste. Avantiam, for instance, is developing offsite construction systems that are quickly assembled on-site. This approach not only speeds up execution but also offers more sustainable, cost-effective alternatives with lower material waste and carbon footprints. Atom Modular mass-produces 3D modules with a wooden structure to form any type of building. This trend not only optimizes construction timelines but also offers more sustainable and cost-effective solutions, minimizing material waste and reducing the carbon footprint.

AI and other Industry 4.0 technologies are being adopted to automate tasks and monitor project progress. Startups like Simbin use AI and machine learning to optimize supply chain management, track worksite progress, and automate formerly manual tasks—boosting efficiency and reducing operational costs. Witeklab offers structural health monitoring systems, and Cosmos Engineering uses advanced sensors to measure concrete strength in real time. Smart wearables are also on display—Biodata Bank, for example, is introducing wristbands that help prevent heatstroke among construction workers. Similarly, the devices from Engidi, when attached to personal protective equipment such as safety helmets, vests, or belts, share information to define hazardous areas within the workspace or monitor impacts, falls, and thermal stress.

These are just a few of the 40 startups participating in this year’s edition of the International Construction Show at Fira de Barcelona, which will host more than 350 exhibitors from 22 countries and expects to draw over 22,000 visitors.

Barcelona, May 2025