Landcros (formerly Hitachi) launches European startup challenge and reveals new equipment

Hitachi Construction Machinery, now operating under the Landcros brand, announced the LANDCROS Innovation Studios Challenge Europe 2026. The competition seeks startups with proven, ready‑to‑test solutions for autonomous operations, site intelligence/planning, and lifecycle decision intelligence on construction and mining sites. Selected participants will pitch their ideas at a Demo Day in Amsterdam this December, with industry partners CRH, Ferrovial, Loxam and VINCI involved in selection and potential pilot projects. Francesco Quaranta, president and CEO of Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) N.V., said the challenge is a direct way to find and build with the best ideas.

At the company’s 2026 dealer meeting in Georgia, USA, Landcros unveiled a range of new mini and wheeled excavators, previewed compact track loaders and articulated dump trucks, and announced a partnership with Yanmar to reshape its compact equipment strategy. Over 500 dealers and partners attended, and COO Simon Wilson highlighted the new brand name as reflecting an open, customer‑focused approach.