Building lower-carbon concrete: GCC launches pilot with alcemy in Chihuahua

In the cement and concrete industry, one of today’s most important challenges is clear: continuing to build the infrastructure the world needs while significantly reducing carbon emissions. With this vision in mind, GCC México, in collaboration with the German startup alcemy, and with the support of StartUp Chihuahua, GIZ México, the Government of the State of Chihuahua, and the Municipality of Chihuahua, is launching a pilot designed to explore how artificial intelligence can help optimize concrete production and contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions. This initiative brings together technology, industrial expertise, and cross-sector collaboration to test innovative solutions in a real operational environment. Through intelligent sensors, real-time data, and alcemy’s AI algorithms, the pilot will help strengthen laboratory and plant processes, measure slump in real time, improve concrete traceability, and deliver more consistent quality to customers. One of the project’s main goals is to optimize cement dosage without compromising concrete performance. The initial target is to reduce cement content by up to 2 kg per m³, which could avoid approximately 5 kg of CO₂ per m³ and help pave the way toward a more efficient and lower-carbon operation. Beyond its technical benefits, this pilot represents the type of collaboration needed today to bring innovative solutions into real industrial settings. It also reflects how the connection between industry, technology, government, and international cooperation can accelerate the adoption of tools with measurable impact potential. From Chihuahua, this collaboration shows that it is possible to connect global technology with real industrial challenges, creating the conditions for innovation to translate into tangible results. In this process, StartUp Chihuahua continues building the connections that help turn technological capabilities into real-world impact for industry and the region.