Innovation in Construction – Major Innovators, Startups, and Seeds
The Construction Industry Turning Toward Digitalization and Innovation
In recent years, the construction industry has increasingly turned toward digitalization and innovation. The sector long resisted technological changes; however, significant transformations are now underway, in which startups and innovators may play a key role. The CONTECH conference, organized by Infotér, featured an innovation roundtable moderated by Zoltán Kalmár, founder of ProptechZoom.
International Innovation Ecosystem: Where Do We Stand?
The panel discussion began with an exploration of Hungary’s and the region’s place on the international innovation map. Katalin Szmollár, Head of the Department for Innovation and Startups at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, together with Gyula Pomázi from the Hungarian Development Promotion Office, discussed Europe’s, the region’s, and Hungary’s progress in founding technology companies and patent activity. The focus was on practices that can make the innovation ecosystem more attractive and efficient, with the ultimate goal of helping new ideas reach the market—whether in construction execution or building materials manufacturing.
Financing Opportunities for Startups and Seeds
Financing opportunities play a decisive role in startup growth. Károly Szántó, representing Óbuda University’s Venture Studio, spoke about startup financing and its challenges. In Hungary, multiple financing sources are available, such as the Széchenyi Capital Fund and convertible loans provided by the National Bank of Hungary, both designed to support growth and technological innovation.
Growth Challenges: Mistakes and Pitfalls
The most common challenges for startups include mistakes made in the early phase, lack of strategic planning, and insufficient financing. Katalin Szmollár and Zoltán Neville from the Institute of Architecture at Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design emphasized that investors must provide clearer frameworks for startups to reach maturity and remain competitive on the international stage.
Innovative Solutions in Construction
The event showcased several innovators and startups presenting their projects. Margit Gogolák, representing the Multinvest CEE construction incubator, spoke about the growing number of innovative construction technologies appearing in the region. Her incubator already hosts 10 real estate–focused startups and sees vast potential for development, especially as Romania receives significant EU development funds, which the incubator helps to channel effectively.
The Future of Construction: Trends and Opportunities
Several experts discussed upcoming trends in the industry. Notable among these were sustainable building materials such as hemp and wood fiber, which may replace traditional materials. Árpád Borka, representing KP Sales, spoke about expected changes in sustainable architecture, while Attila, co-founder of Tengrai.com, outlined the possibilities for applying generative AI in construction. Integrating innovative solutions into everyday building processes not only boosts efficiency but also contributes to the sustainability of the industry.
Conclusion: Challenges and Opportunities in the Hungarian Startup Ecosystem
The panel concluded with consensus that Hungary’s startup ecosystem still faces numerous challenges. Although both state and private investors dedicate significant attention to supporting startups, the ecosystem requires further reforms and paradigm shifts, particularly in the operation of accelerators and incubators.
For Hungary to be competitive on the international stage, investment rules and frameworks must be reconsidered, and innovative ideas must be better supported in reaching the market. Unlocking the opportunities in construction—especially in sustainable architecture and technological innovation—can drive the industry’s development in the coming years.
