Global Hackathon case study
Marco Polo 100 Digital Build Challenge
October 2020 – ongoing
Overview:
Horizon Legacy is a Canadian-based building developer that has earned an acclaimed reputation as owners, builders and operations for major long-term infrastructure assets. Not only are they a globally renowned business, but also one that strives to be sustainably responsible and inclusive.
Challenge:
The company saw flaws in construction methods, most notably in the industry’s habitual use of century-old technologies and building methods. Current digital capabilities present opportunities to make qualitative leaps within the industry, but for now, there has been no significant change in the practice with a stubborn resistance to digitalization.
Solution:
The Global Exec. partnered with Agorize to organize the largest tech-focused construction hackathon in North America - The Marco Polo 100 Digital Build Challenge. The ongoing mission is to develop a prototype to build residential buildings for $100/sq ft or less using new technologies and processes and reduce traditional construction timelines by up to 50%.
Placed in charge of community outreach, The Global Exec. utilized our network of start-ups to connect with incubators and innovation hubs. One of the teams The Global Exec. recruited was Scoolpt, a Prague-based company that’s now among the teams that have topped the competition. The team has now successfully passed all stages and is now competing for the main prize.
Impact:
Industry innovation! 3D printing is an emerging technology, and an event like the Marco Polo 100 Digital Build Challenge has accelerated its potential further. Hackathons and open innovation events lead to massive changes in sectors, and thanks to this event, construction companies and developers can better utilize and further develop 3D capabilities.
Scoolpt designed a 2-story residential building with 3 flats, named Rosette. Right now, the team is waiting for a building permit and are preparing for the final, physical printing of the house in Canada. It’s only a matter of time until we see the fruits of Scoolpts labour, Rosette, realized.
The hackathon resulted in the first and largest 3D printed neighborhood in Canada, pioneering the use of robots and automation in multi-story building construction. The models are not only innovative but also sustainable and affordable. The future of housing and solutions to a rising crisis may lay ahead thanks to this open innovation event.
“In Scoolpt we believe that 3D printing can visually change the architecture and make new possible designs and in future also reduce the costs of buildings. The artistic part of the buildings is same or more important as the technology for us.”
– Michal Trpak, Co-Founder, Scoolpt
