BuildUPspeed: accelerating the industrialisation of construction in Europe

In recent years, Europe has made significant investments in research and innovation to transform the construction sector in line with its strategic policies. Industrialised construction has emerged as a key driver of this transformation, offering clear advantages: faster and more efficient on-site delivery, reduced waste and emissions, improved quality and traceability of processes, and ultimately better energy performance of buildings. However, industrialised methods are still often perceived as more expensive than conventional solutions.

At BuildUPspeed (BUPS), we believe that the industrialization in the building sector is on the brink of significant advancements, thanks to the increasing awareness of available solutions. Numerous EU-funded projects have developed technologies, systems, and methodologies to advance towards more industrialized, sustainable, and efficient construction. These innovations are gradually reaching the market and the professionals who can benefit most.

To further enhance the use of industrialized solutions, BuildUPspeed is committed to bridging technical gaps, promoting available solutions, and advancing industrialized solutions developed through innovative digital technologies and circularity criteria. This approach not only fosters scalability and cost reduction but also supports the building sector in achieving greater efficiency and sustainability.

This is where BuildUPspeed comes in: our mission is to unlock the value of European research by connecting the knowledge generated with the real needs of construction and renovation projects. We aim to support architects, developers, contractors, manufacturers, public authorities and even end-users in identifying the industrialised solutions that best fit their specific needs and context.

A new chapter: ACR takes the lead

Recently, ACR, a Spanish construction company, has taken over the coordination of BuildUPspeed. With this change, the project embraces a more practical and market-driven approach to address the key challenges facing the industry.

The BuildUPspeed project is part of the LIFE funding scheme. As such, it serves as a think tank of knowledge, capacities, and opportunities, collected in a platform designed to stimulate collaboration between experts, test new methods with reduced risk, and position construction companies as active players in the green and digital transition.

Tools to bridge innovation and the market

To close the gap between technology and real-world needs, the BUPS team is developing two innovative tools:

• Market Activation Platform (MAP)– A digital hub that consolidates industrialized solutions, technical data, and real-world case studies. This platform aids decision-makers in identifying the most effective solutions for their specific goals and contexts, while considering digital innovation methods and circularity criteria.
• Pop-up Factories (PuF) – Modular, temporary or semi-permanent production units designed to operate near renovation sites. Their proximity enables real-time customisation, reduces transport needs, and enhances sustainability. Within BuildUPspeed, five distinct PuF scenarios are explored—ranging from mobile on-site units to regional district factories and service hubs—each offering a tailored approach to match local renovation demands, regulatory conditions, and market maturity. By aligning industrial capabilities with specific project contexts, PuFs offer a transformative solution to scale up deep renovations across Europe.

Why these matter

The transformation of construction is not just for engineers and architects – it benefits everyone: safer housing, better energy performance, lower environmental impact, and faster responses to social and climate emergencies.

At BuildUPspeed, we are committed to shaping the future of building by promoting the use of industrialization, digital innovation, and circularity criteria. Our goal is to create opportunities that are accessible and beneficial for everyone.