hyperTunnel has been selected to join a global acceleration and support programme run by Leonard, the foresight and innovation platform of the VINCI Group.
hyperTunnel is one of 44 start-ups chosen to participate in Leonard’s acceleration programme in 2022 and one of just 10 in the Catalyst cohort, which is designed to support more mature innovative companies with the deployment of their products and services in partnership with VINCI Group companies. .
Now in its third year, the Catalyst programme selects companies for their potential to transform either the construction, mobility, property development or energy sectors through the development of pioneering solutions covering environmental transition, safety, productivity and competitiveness. It provides participants with mentoring from VINCI executives as well as connecting them to an international network of potential technology partners and investors.
“This is an exciting opportunity that has come at just the right time,” observed hyperTunnel CEO Richard Matthews. “We have big plans for 2022 and beyond as we continue to move rapidly from prototype to full commercial offering. VINCI is particularly interested in reducing the environmental impact of construction and other industries, so there’s a great deal of synergy with what we’re doing. We’re very eager to see what we can achieve together.”
The VINCI Group has been aware of hyperTunnel for some time. Last October, hyperTunnel was named as one of ten winners of the Construction Startup Competition 2021 which is jointly hosted by seven organisations, including Leonard.
The VINCI Group created Leonard to respond to some of the biggest challenges facing its businesses: digital revolution, faster innovation cycles and environmental transition. Leonard aims to detect new trends, support innovation and bring together all the players involved in shaping the future of cities and regions.
Julien Villalongue, Leonard’s Managing Director, commented, “Leonard has been leading a community of innovators for almost five years. hyperTunnel promises to redefine what is possible in underground construction, improving safety and sustainability, while controlling costs. This is exactly the sort of transformation we want to support.”
