The Coalition for Smart Construction at Virginia Tech is working to leverage technology to ensure that smaller businesses can participate equally in the market, especially where research and innovation is concerned.
The coalition has committed $280,000 in grants for five projects, awarded in conjunction with Falls Church, Virginia-based HITT Contracting, to provide an opportunity for construction firms to partner with the school on tech-focused initiatives. Funding amounts are allocated on a per-project basis.
One such project is a platform that will help builders connect on tech advancements in construction in a digital commons that operates much like Reddit. Membership gives access to a portal where conversations can be had and where funds can be allocated to support the research that membership is interested in, making it a true industry-led, membership research model.
From its Smart Construction Lab in West Falls Church, Virginia, which is currently under construction, the coalition will develop a template that supports different kinds of research. The initiative will be piloted and tested with ABC members at different levels later in the year and once feedback is obtained, the coalition hopes to have the system ready for deployment in February, working and ready for March/April.
