Technology and Innovation Weekly Digest

Welcome to the Technology and Innovation digest where we explore the latest innovations driving sustainability and efficiency across the industry. This week, we will look at some innovations driving sustainability, efficiency, and economic growth, with Reneo securing €600 million to upgrade Germany’s residential sector and the ICC developing new standards for 3D-printed concrete walls. We also highlight the UK PropTech Association’s push for more investment, Nodes and Links’ £9.5 million funding round, and Skanska’s new semiconductor manufacturing unit.

Aaliyah Pollock- AI, Data and Tech Analyst

UKPA Calls for Further UK PropTech Investment

The UK PropTech Association (UKPA) is calling for continued government investment in PropTech to digitise the planning system, support housing goals, and drive economic growth. They recommend expanding the PropTech Innovation Fund, increasing funding for early-stage firms, and conducting sector reviews. With the upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill, they believe digital tools and AI can enhance planning efficiency.

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Reneo Secures €600 Million to Decarbonise Germany’s Residential Real Estate

Hamburg-based Reneo has secured a €600 million capital platform to modernise and improve energy efficiency in Germany's residential sector. Focused on decarbonising residential real estate, Reneo has formed a joint venture with Peakside Capital to invest €500 million in upgrading multi-family houses, reducing energy consumption, and lowering carbon footprints. By using technologies like machine learning, they plan to optimise energy savings, construction costs, and government subsidies, driving both environmental and economic benefits.

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Nodes & Links Secures £9.5M Series B to Streamline Project Management

London-based startup Nodes and Links raised £9.5 million in Series B funding, led by ETF Partners. Their platform improves project management by integrating siloed data, automating reporting, and providing real-time insights to help teams proactively manage largescale projects. With this funding, Nodes and Link plans expand its AI capabilities, grow its reach in high-demand sectors like infrastructure and data centres, and further position itself as a leading solution for construction teams worldwide.

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Skanska Launches Advanced Technology Unit to Meet Semiconductor Demand

Skanska has established a specialised unit focused on high-tech and semiconductor manufacturing. Named Skanska Advanced Technology (SAT), the division will operate within their USA Building business unit and collaborate with regional teams to deliver solutions across Oregon, Arizona, and California. With $23 billion in advanced technology projects completed or under construction, Skanska aims to meet the rising demand for high-tech and semiconductor manufacturing projects.

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ICC to Set Standards for 3D Printed Walls

The International Code Council (ICC) is developing standards for 3D printed concrete walls in commercial construction. Despite huge potential, widespread adoption has been challenging due to slow regulatory integration. However, contractors like FMGI and Alquist 3D continue to explore 3D printing for large-scale construction projects, including expansions to Walmart sites. The ICC has been working on these standards since October 2023, with a public hearing held on February 14^th.

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