CCA taking applications for next iteration of CONtact Innovator Mentorship program

The program aims to fosters innovation by connecting contractors directly with product developers

Construction technology start-ups, entrepreneurs with an idea for a novel building product and other would-be industry innovators have three months to submit an application to participate in the third annual CONtact Innovator Mentorship program.

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) officially launched the 2020/2021 program June 1, with the aim of connecting innovators with industry mentors starting this fall.

“As the current COVID-19 pandemic continues, the construction industry has a renewed interest and desire to fast-track innovation,” CCA president Mary Van Buren, said in a release. “The CONtact Innovator Mentorship program provides the perfect first step to identifying new innovative solutions.”

With the help of contractor mentors, mentees developing new tools for construction can pilot their solutions in real-world scenarios, providing a fast-track to scaling up.

The CCA said it received 30 applications for the program last year, half of which were chosen by an advisory panel to meet with construction experts. A select few subsequently landed pilot orders.

Along with the chance to work with a mentor to fine-tune their offering, this year the CCA will give the top three mentees the opportunity to travel to the association’s 2021 annual conference to pitch their solutions directly to the experts.

More information about the program is available here. Applications for the mentorship initiative are due Aug. 30.