On the 7th, Lotte Engineering & Construction announced that it has selected seven promising startups to lead future construction technology and has begun full-scale proof of concept (PoC) processes.
Since April, Lotte Engineering & Construction has been conducting open innovation in collaboration with the Busan Center for Creative Economy & Innovation, Seoul Economic Promotion Agency, Seoul Center for Creative Economy & Innovation, Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development (KISED), and Korea International Trade Association. A total of 101 startups applied for the program, showing high interest. Lotte Engineering & Construction stated that it ultimately selected seven startups through evaluations involving its technology researchers and practical personnel from relevant departments.
The selected corporations include ▲ Vibe (development of interlayer soundproofing material in point support form) ▲ OAI (development of a sterilization and deodorization device using plasma technology) ▲ IK Lab (development of AI-based video data processing and analysis system) ▲ AINOMIS (development of an AI chatbot system that automatically reads and analyzes unstructured documents to provide necessary information) ▲ DeHive (development of an integrated control system for robotic autonomous driving and surveillance) ▲ InterX (development of digital twin technology and intelligent robots to implement virtual worlds) ▲ CleanAir (development of liquefaction-based dehumidification treatment technology), among others.
In the future, these startups are expected to proceed with the PoC process in collaboration with Lotte Engineering & Construction. Depending on the PoC results, various follow-up collaboration opportunities will be provided, including the broader application of technology on-site, joint research and development, and expanded pilot application. Lotte Engineering & Construction noted that it is actively participating in various startup meet-up events, including IBK Changgong, NextRise, and the World IT Show, aside from this program.
Lotte Engineering & Construction has been continuously operating open innovation programs since 2022, applying excellent technologies from startups to actual sites. By utilizing AI-based design documents and document data analysis technology, it has increased accuracy by detecting potential errors during design stages in advance and systematically managing document data.
In addition, it improved work efficiency and safety by introducing modular earth retaining strip materials. Earth retaining strips are temporary structures used to stabilize the ground and protect surrounding structures, playing a vital role especially in underground construction or excavation work. Lotte Engineering & Construction explained that modular earth retaining strips have the advantage of being much easier to install and dismantle compared to traditional methods.
It also collaborated with a startup with AI smart farm control technology to develop a smart farm platform to be used in community housing, and based on this, it applied for joint patents. Last year, it developed high value-added resource recycling technology in collaboration with a startup that possesses construction waste reprocessing technology. Lotte Engineering & Construction stated that this allowed them to demonstrate dust and soundproof structural performance and successfully secure performance ratings and the stability and economic feasibility of production lines for actual site application.
A representative from Lotte Engineering & Construction said, "Through the open innovation program, we plan to rapidly secure innovative technology and strengthen our future construction technology competitiveness," adding, "We will achieve win-win cooperation with excellent startups and promote continuous technological development and site application."