North Holland Launches Digital Platform to Transform Construction Industry Waste Crisis
North Holland, Thursday, 11 December 2025.
North Holland’s DigiC program connects startups with major construction companies to tackle the region’s massive building challenges through circular and digital innovation. The initiative, expanding from Utrecht’s successful 2023 pilot, has already helped participating entrepreneurs secure contracts they wouldn’t have obtained otherwise. Companies like Planalogic and BIM Projects are developing waste-minimizing digital designs and predictive maintenance models that could revolutionize how buildings are constructed and maintained across the Netherlands.
Proven Success Model Expands Beyond Utrecht
The DigiC program first launched in Utrecht in 2023, focusing on digitalization as an accelerator for circular and sustainable construction [1]. The success of this initial pilot prompted ROM InWest to expand the initiative to North Holland, according to Birgitta Kramer, Senior Business Developer at ROM InWest [1]. The Utrecht program demonstrated tangible results, with participating entrepreneurs securing contracts they might never have obtained otherwise [1]. Several innovative companies from Amsterdam, Almere, and Alkmaar had already joined the original program, creating demand for a region-wide approach [1].
Strategic Collaboration Framework
DigiC operates as a hands-on program that brings together innovative entrepreneurs, major construction companies, municipalities, and the province to work collaboratively on immediate challenges [1]. The initiative specifically targets startups developing new technologies and scale-ups with fresh ideas for the construction sector [1]. According to Kramer, the program serves as a platform where ideas become reality by providing entrepreneurs access to contracts, partners, and financing opportunities [1]. The collaborative approach addresses North Holland’s substantial construction challenges by promoting circular, digital, and innovative building methods that minimize waste and resource consumption [1].
Market Innovation Events Drive Real Results
The program’s market innovation days create dynamic environments where builders and innovative entrepreneurs tackle concrete market challenges [1]. These events focus on practical problems such as circular renovation within limited CO2 budgets, inspiring participants with real-world case studies [1]. Entrepreneurs engage in matchmaking sessions, exchange knowledge, and secure new contracts while contributing to a strong construction ecosystem where companies of all sizes collaborate [1]. The energy generated during these sessions demonstrates the program’s effectiveness in fostering innovation and business development [1].
Concrete Innovation Outcomes
Three companies have already achieved measurable results through DigiC participation. Amsterdam-based Planalogic has developed digital housing designs that minimize waste during construction [1]. Another Amsterdam company, Packhunt, focuses on ‘first time right’ design approaches for area development projects [1]. BIM Projects, located in Alkmaar, creates intelligent BIM models that make building maintenance predictable and efficient [1]. These innovations demonstrate how digitalization can transform traditional construction practices into more sustainable and circular processes [1]. The program’s success lies in enabling entrepreneurs to test their innovations directly in practice while scaling their solutions for broader market impact [1].