Future Construction
The Future Construction programme accelerates the development and adoption of sustainable technologies, materials and practices to create a safer, more efficient and resilient built environment.
Accelerating the development and adoption of innovative construction technologies
The Future Construction programme brings together expertise in low environmental impact materials, construction robotics and advanced materials to accelerate innovation in the construction sector.
Our coordinated approach supports the construction sector to:
- build more safely and efficiently
- reduce environmental impact and embodied carbon
- adapt to climate change
- reduce reliance on imports
- address skills shortages
Collaborating across the construction sector
We bring together experts across the construction supply chain to address the challenges of constructing, operating and maintaining the built environment. We create collaborative partnerships, connecting researchers, innovators, contractors, designers, specifiers, asset owners, regulators and industry organisations. These partnerships provide the expertise, experience and market access needed to develop, test, validate, scale and deploy innovative solutions from residential developments through to nationally significant infrastructure.
Future construction networks
Emergent Sustainable Built Environment Materials Network (ESBEM)
ESBEM supports the development and adoption of innovative construction products and materials that reduce embodied carbon and environmental impact.
Join ESBEM
Construction Robotics Adoption Innovation Network (CRAIN)
CRAIN supports the adoption of robotics and automation for construction site processes and maintenance of built assets to improve safety and productivity.
Join CRAIN
Why join our networks?
Share knowledge and support learning
We hold informed conversations, webinars, workshops and events to share knowledge, support learning, and help inform and guide potential opportunities.
Create business to business connections
We connect construction specialists across sectors to share expertise, develop integrated solutions, and accelerate innovation and adoption together.
Showcase emergent technologies
We present and display innovative construction technologies at events and workshops. Our Connection Finder also helps organisations promote the value proposition of their technologies and show where they are seeking collaborative support.
Support dynamic problem solving
We work across networks, in small groups or individually, to identify and overcome barriers. We may run workshops, gather data, influence decision-makers and tackle specific problems through direct outreach or by using Innovation Exchange (iX).
Our experts
Our team supports innovators with insight and connections into networks. We also help adopters with introductions to innovators who could address specific challenges. Meet the team and find out how we can support you.
Meet our experts
Related programmes
We work closely with other programmes to support people developing new technologies within the construction sector. Together we offer expert advice and hands-on support so businesses can build ideas, find partners, test solutions and reach customers faster across different sectors.
View programmes
Acceptance of novel low environmental impact construction products
In 2025, addressing challenges around the acceptance of novel low environmental impact construction, the ESBEM ran a series of webinars to help innovators and adopters obtain a base level of understanding in construction regulatory compliance, testing, test standards, third party certification and carbon accounting.
Read more
Emergent Sustainable Built Environment Materials
The ESBEM exists to help improve adoption of sustainable construction materials in the UK. The programme from Innovate UK Business Connect offers tailored support and activity whether you're a researcher of sustainable materials, product manufacturer, supplier, contractor or a related organisation who has an interest in sustainable construction materials.