AI startups target construction sector challenges

AI-driven tools to support UK construction innovation

Digital Catapult, a UK deep tech innovation centre, has announced the ten startups joining its High Growth AI Accelerator under the Innovate UK BridgeAI programme, which aims to support the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across key UK sectors, including construction.

Working with industry partners Foster + Partners, Versarien, and Buro Happold, the new cohort will explore how AI can help solve real-world challenges in the built environment – from 3D construction printing and materials tracking, to design automation and regulatory compliance.

The accelerator programme aims to help startups test and scale solutions in concrete construction, retrofit modelling, and supply chain optimisation, by pairing them with experts and pilot opportunities.

Dr Stephen Hodge, chief executive officer at Versarien, said: “The BridgeAI accelerator is a fantastic initiative to address some of the most pressing challenges in modern construction. We see immense potential in applying AI to optimise 3D construction printing, from supporting design efficiency to enhancing the durability of printed structures through material insights and sensor integration.”

Startups include:

• AIConstruct – developing parametric scripts for 3D printing in construction
• Planninghub – improving AI-assisted residential planning tools
• DONAA – combining sensor data and computer vision to assess material durability
• Gpeto AI – building evaluation frameworks for high-performing AI tools
• Planarific – using aerial imagery for enriched 3D retrofit models
• Lattice – enabling AI-driven generative design and predictive maintenance
• Fairware – prototyping a real-time platform for materials analysis and design-for-manufacture
• BOHM – automating data compliance through AI-enabled parsing tools
• Infinitive – developing a modular systems configurator using AI-based generative design
• Constructify – advancing an end-to-end AI-powered construction project management platform

Jessica Rushworth, chief partnerships officer at Digital Catapult, said: “This programme bridges the gap between cutting-edge AI innovation and real-world application. By connecting deep tech startups with major players in construction and engineering, we aim to accelerate the adoption of practical solutions that can shape the future of the industry.”

The programme is part of the wider Innovate UK BridgeAI initiative, delivered in partnership with The Alan Turing Institute, STFC Hartree Centre, and the British Standards Institution (BSI). So far, over 2,500 organisations have engaged with BridgeAI, with a focus on supporting sectors with high growth potential but low AI adoption.

Alain Waha, chief technology officer at Buro Happold, added: “The UK’s immense AI talent must be mobilised to solve the systemic problems of the built environment. BridgeAI allows industry to connect with the UK’s most innovative companies to tackle real issues.”

The programme will address operational inefficiencies, design constraints, and digital collaboration within the construction sector – with many applications expected to benefit concrete planning, materials tracking, and automation of building processes.

For more information on the High Growth AI Accelerator and the BridgeAI programme, visit digitalcatapult.org.uk.