Help shape the next construction breakthrough: Become a CONtact mentor
Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation—it thrives through collaboration.
The Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) CONtact mentorship program connects Canada’s most promising construction innovators with experienced industry leaders who can help turn bold, new ideas into practical, market-ready solutions.
By becoming a mentor, you can help accelerate solutions that respond to real industry challenges— from productivity and safety to sustainability, digital transformation, and jobsite performance.
Your insight can help innovators refine their product, understand market demand and pricing, strengthen commercialization plans and pricing, and prepare for distribution and industry adoption.
FOR INDUSTRY LEADERS: Become a mentor →
Share your expertise. Strengthen the industry
CONtact relies on the knowledge and commitment of mentors from Canada’s leading construction companies. If you’re a senior industry professional with a passion for innovation and a desire to support the next generation of construction leaders, we encourage you to apply.
We’re looking for mentors who:
- Are currently employed by a Canadian construction company.
- Have at least five years of relevant industry experience.
- Hold a senior leadership position (senior manager or above).
- Have a strong understanding of emerging trends and innovation in construction.
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach.
Experience in one or more of the following areas is considered an asset:
- Building systems
- Construction technology (robotics, artificial intelligence, BIM, digital twins, automation)
- Health and safety (wearables, IoT, smart sensors, augmented and virtual reality)
- Procurement and equipment
- Project management (field management, cloud collaboration, CMMS, digital workflows)
- Sustainability and environmental solutions (modular construction, green materials, 3D printing and more)
What to expect
CCA will provide mentors with everything needed to prepare, including:
- Background information on the innovator and their solution
- Supporting documents and company website
- An introductory video from the innovator
- A mentorship guide outlining the process and expectations
Each mentor will participate in one three-hour mentorship session alongside at least two other mentors. Mentors will be compensated for their time.
Mentors will take part in a focused, strategic conversations designed to help innovators assess their market opportunity, strengthen their value proposition, address barriers to adoption, and identify where their solution can deliver the greatest impact for construction end-users.
CCA will match mentors with innovators whose solutions align with their expertise, ensuring every session is relevant, practical, and valuable for both participants.
FOR INNOVATORS: Apply to CONtact →
Ready to put your construction innovation in front of industry leaders?
If you’re building a product, technology or service that could change how Canada’s construction industry works, CONtact can help you sharpen your approach, validate your market fit, and build momentum.
The CCA CONtact mentorship program gives emerging innovators direct access to experienced construction executives who understand the realities of Canada’s construction sector.
Put your innovation on the path to industry adoption
Selected innovators will gain access to feedback, relationships, and visibility that can help move their solution from promising idea to practical industry application.
- Receive one-on-one guidance from experienced industry leaders.
- Gain practical feedback on product development, pricing, market positioning, and commercialization.
- Build valuable relationships with construction executives from across Canada.
- Better understand industry challenges, opportunities, and customer needs.
Up to five innovators will also be invited to participate in the CONtact Innovator’s Pitch at the 2027 CCA Annual Conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario. During the conference, participants will present their innovation, take part in an in-person mentorship session, and network with senior industry leaders from across the country.
Eligible travel and accommodation expenses will be covered through the CONtact program.
Who can apply?
Applicants must:
- Be a client of the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), or be willing to become one if selected.
- Offer an innovative solution relevant to the Canadian construction industry.
- Operate an incorporated, profit-oriented Canadian small or medium-sized business with 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
- Be actively pursuing growth through innovative, technology-driven products or services.
- Have a product or service at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 or higher.
Key dates
- August 17, 2026: Applications open
- September 25, 2026: Application deadline
- November 2026: Successful applicants notified
- December 2026 – February 2027: Virtual mentorship sessions
- March 11, 2027: CONtact Innovator’s Pitch at the CCA Annual Conference
- April 2027: Winning innovator featured in PLUS+, CCA’s blog
Since its launch, more than 40 innovators have participated in CONtact, with several solutions now being implemented on construction projects across Canada—proof that the right connection can help turn innovation into industry impact.