LafargeHolcim has launched a plan to scale up its access to innovative construction solutions through collaborating with entrepreneurs. The Start-Up Accelerator will offer young companies on-site accommodation and the use of the facilities at the Group's Research & Development Center in Lyon, France, to develop, test, and market their solutions in construction and urban planning.

Group Head of Growth & Innovation at LafargeHolcim, Gérard Kuperfarb, said: "With the Start-up Accelerator we are making a commitment to support young companies specialising in construction materials and construction solutions. We can offer them a sophisticated laboratory environment and access to years of experience in creating and applying building materials in thousands of projects and challenging environments around the world. In return, we believe that the start-ups will bring new ideas and new solutions that will change the face of construction in the coming years. We are committed to looking for new solutions for our customers so having the opportunity to bring new ideas together with our own R&D will be invaluable."
 
As part of the project, LafargeHolcim is also planning to partner with other companies to extend innovation projects along the construction value chain. The first young companies are expected to join the facility in mid-2017.