Startup of the Year - Construction Technology Awards

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AWARDS

Judges’ shortlist 2025

Startup of the Year

This category is for disruptive startup companies with technology, products, services or materials relevant to the built environment (the design, build, handover & operation of built assets). Organisations entering had to be four years old or younger, but not newly established divisions or branches of a larger company. They had to show evidence of a convincing business plan, go-to market strategy, product market fit, innovation, traction, scalability and benefit realisation.

BuildHop

BuildHop is a digital procurement platform that reduces costs and increases efficiency for the construction industry by standardising and streamlining the purchasing of construction materials.

We connect contractors with a global network of suppliers, offering a data-driven and AI-enhanced approach to simplify sourcing, negotiation, and logistics. BuildHop’s platform ensures transparency, trust, and efficiency by providing real-time insights, competitive pricing, and seamless end-to-end procurement processes.

Our solution allows even the smallest contractors to benefit from advanced material standardisation, saving them up to 15% on material costs and reducing procurement time by up to 80%. As we expand, BuildHop integrates fintech solutions to further automate payments, enhancing efficiency for contractors and suppliers.

Our mission is to elevate construction productivity worldwide by digitizing the sector and providing unmatched value through intelligent procurement technology.

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DGRNTE

DGRNTE is revolutionising the property management industry with our cutting-edge, cloud-based platform. Designed to simplify and automate the complexities of real estate management, DGRNTE empowers landlords, property managers, and tenants with a comprehensive suite of tools accessible anytime, anywhere.

Our user-friendly platform eliminates the need for setup fees, hidden fees, or minimum licenses, making it an ideal solution for businesses of all sizes.

Since our pre-launch, we've partnered with over 75 clients, serving approximately 2,500 units and 3,000 tenants. With our official launch in July 2024, we've expanded globally, now serving over 190 clients in more than 12 countries and managing 10,000+ units.

DGRNTE is committed to continuous innovation, with plans to introduce language support, advanced workflows, and integrations with more payment gateways. Our vision is to digitally transform property management, making it more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly for everyone.

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MYCRANE

Dubai-based MYCRANE is the first global platform for online crane rental, saving users time and money every day by simplifying the crane rental procurement process.

Customers can simply and quickly request a crawler, mobile or tower crane without having to rely on manual processes, such as calling crane rental companies or making multiple offline requests.

After submitting details of their lifting requirements, clients will receive personalised quotes from a range of registered equipment owners. Drawing on the management team’s experience in the industry, MYCRANE has been carefully designed to ensure ease of use, and that the quotes generated are directly comparable.

Registration is free for both users and crane rental companies. The platform serves a diverse range of industry sectors including renewable energy, petrochemical, construction and civil engineering. Technical development, sales and marketing are all performed in-house. Our platform is changing the way our users do business, as referenced by our many letters of customer satisfaction, and delivering the benefits of digitisation to the cranes and construction industry.

In addition to the rental platform, MYCRANE operates an online Marketplace to facilitate the international sale and purchase of lifting equipment.

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Navatech

Navatech is a pioneering startup that is revolutionising the construction industry with AI-driven solutions focused on worker health and safety. Founded in 2020, we leverage cutting-edge technology to improve safety outcomes across construction sites in the Middle East and Africa. Our flagship products—nAI, WhatsApp Copilot, and WhatsApp Group Companion—combine artificial intelligence, real-time data, and seamless communication tools to proactively mitigate risks, reduce accidents, and enhance worker well-being.

nAI is a Safety Management Platform that uses predictive analytics to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety protocols. WhatsApp Copilot streamlines communication, delivering real-time safety updates and incident reporting, all within the widely used WhatsApp interface. WhatsApp Group Companion promotes team coordination and multilingual support, ensuring inclusivity and safety for all workers, regardless of language or literacy.

We are entering the "Startup of the Year" award to showcase how Navatech’s innovative solutions have rapidly gained traction in the industry. With a strong business plan, successful go-to-market strategy, and measurable benefits realised through improved safety outcomes, our solutions have proven to be scalable and impactful. Our goal is to continue expanding our footprint across the region and drive digital transformation in construction safety.

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SIGNAX Software Design

SIGNAX is a global IT powerhouse with its headquarter in Dubai, UAE. We unite top-tier professionals who bring advanced Building Information Modelling (BIM) solutions to construction sites. Our mission is to enhance industry efficiency, safety, and transparency by leveraging cutting-edge digital tools tailored to construction needs.

Our solutions revolutionise project coordination, communication, and tracking, addressing long-standing inefficiencies that cause delays and budget overruns. Our open, innovative company culture fosters creativity, empowering every team member to contribute ideas and lead projects that drive industry-wide change.

SIGNAX deserves the “Startup of the Year” nomination because we are at the forefront of a transformative wave in construction technology. With a dynamic team and visionary leadership, we have developed solutions that deliver measurable results for our clients, improving workflows and ensuring project success.

The construction industry stands at a digital tipping point, and SIGNAX is leading this transformation by seamlessly integrating real-time cloud computing, AI, and IoT into construction management. Recognising the pressing need for innovation, SIGNAX provides practical, client-centric tools that empower construction professionals globally, enabling the industry to build smarter, faster, and safer.

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