VINCI Group’s foresight and innovation platform, Leonard, has selected hyperTunnel to join its global acceleration and support programme.
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 division.
Founded in 2018, and headquartered in Basingstoke, England, hyperTunnel is an Infratech start-up developing a radical new method of tunnelling using AI, machine learning, and swarm robotics.
Catalyst 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.
Richard Matthews, hyperTunnel CEO, commented: “This is an exciting opportunity that has come at just the right time. 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.”
Julien Villalongue, Leonard’s managing director, added: “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.”
Image credit: maphke/Shutterstock
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