Hitachi Construction Machinery brings its startup challenge to Europe
Hitachi Construction Machinery is inviting startups to help shape the construction and mining sites of the future as part of the LANDCROS Innovation Studios Challenge Europe 2026.
Applications for this open-innovation programme can be made from 31 July 2026 to 30 September 2026 at "LANDCROS Innovation Studios Challenge Europe 2026" Application Form.
This is the first time that the challenge will be held in Europe, following earlier editions in the USA in 2024 and Australia in 2025. Successful applicants will be invited to pitch their ideas at a Demo Day in Amsterdam on 3 December 2026, in front of Hitachi Construction Machinery and its partners.
Hitachi Construction Machinery is looking for startups with ready-to-test and proven solutions that can be scaled globally and apply to one of the challenge’s three themes:
· Autonomous Operations
Reducing labour dependency, operational variability and safety risks through autonomy.
· Site Intelligence & Planning
Turning site data into simulation, decisions and learning, so that customers can plan more accurately, avoid rework and raise productivity on site.
· Life-cycle Decision Intelligence
Helping customers buy better, operate smarter and replace at the right time, on the basis of data rather than assumption.
The themes were created by Hitachi Construction Machinery 's operational teams and validated by industry partners CRH (Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland), Ferrovial (Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands), Loxam (Headquarters: Caudan, France), Leonard (VINCI) (Headquarters: Nanterre, France). The partners will help to promote the challenge across their networks, take part in the selection process and Demo Day, and may consider co-piloting a proof of concept.
Startups selected through the programme gain access to Hitachi Construction Machinery experts and a rich data pool, the opportunity of a paid pilot tailored to their proposal, and exposure to decision-makers and partners across the European construction and mining industries. Applications to the challenge can be made free of charge, with no commission or equity required.
LANDCROS Innovation Studios is a "forum for collaborative innovation" to accelerate ties with startup companies and the creation of new businesses that Hitachi Construction Machinery is expanding globally. Its goal is to function not only as a physical location but as an ecosystem where Hitachi Construction Machinery's Group companies, customers, startup companies, and challengers from various industries intersect and jointly create future forms of value. LANDCROS Innovation Studios Challenge Europe 2026 is one of the programme’s flagship initiatives. It is an open innovation project that promotes collaboration between Hitachi Construction Machinery and startups to develop next-generation solutions.
Comment from Francesco Quaranta, President & CEO of Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) N.V.
“We want to grow as a true solutions provider, and we believe some of the best ideas for our machines and sites are already out there. Bringing this challenge to Europe is a direct way to find the startups behind those ideas and build with them.”
Comment from Murari Perumalsamy, Head of CRH Ventures
“CRH Ventures is pleased to partner with the Hitachi Construction Machinery to scout high-potential startups developing innovative solutions for quarrying and mining operations, with a view to identifying and fast-tracking opportunities that can deliver real-world impact across CRH's business, whilst reinforcing our position as an active driver of innovation in the building materials sector.”
Comment from Luis Amorim, Head of Open Innovation, Ferrovial Construction
“Ferrovial Construction is pleased to participate in the LANDCROS Innovation Studios Challenge Europe 2026 as part of our commitment to open innovation and collaboration across the construction ecosystem. We look forward to working with Hitachi Construction Machinery, startups and industry partners to accelerate solutions in areas such as safety, automation, sustainable equipment, connected fleets and digital innovation that can help transform the future of construction.”
Comment from Carmen Rouanet, Head of Partnerships and Development, Leonard
“Leonard, VINCI’s innovation and foresight platform, is pleased to join Hitachi Construction Machinery’s startup challenge to explore how innovation can make on-site operations more intelligent, efficient and sustainable - from site planning, logistics, machinery and equipment to resource efficiency and life-cycle decision-making. By working with Hitachi Construction Machinery and partners across the value chain, we aim to connect startups with real operational challenges and accelerate solutions that can make construction sites safer, more productive and more sustainable.”
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