Leading contractors are no longer just technology buyers; they are building their own innovation engines. From internal product teams, R&D groups, and digital divisions to venture arms, accelerators, and JV labs, progressive builders are turning jobsite pain points into scalable products, data platforms, and new revenue lines. This session featured innovation and technology leaders from top contractors and their partners who are experimenting with new organizational models, investing in startups, and co-developing tools with the broader ecosystem. Panelists discussed how they structure innovation (labs, spin-outs, funds), make build vs. buy vs. partner decisions, and what startups need to know about co-creating with contractors that now act as sophisticated—and selective—technology collaborators.
Speakers:
Daniel Meissner, VP, Growth & Strategic Partnerships, EllisDon
Jacob Raskin, Technical Operations Manager, STO Building Group
Sam Larson, Innovation Developer, ARCO/Murray
Aaron Anderson, Principal, Ashlar Group