Universidad Católica del Maule wins Reto Construye Academia 2026

The Triplast team from the Universidad Católica del Maule (UCM) has secured first place in the Reto Construye Academia 2026, a national open innovation competition. Organized by the Chilean Chamber of Construction (CChC) and the Technological Development Corporation (CDT), the competition sought solutions for decarbonization, industrialization, and digital transformation within the construction industry.

The winning project, Triplast, features modular perimeter fencing made from recycled plastic. The design is lightweight, resistant, and reusable, utilizing an interlocking system to prevent unauthorized removal from construction sites. The award ceremony took place during Edifica 2026 and was attended by the Minister of Housing and Urbanism, Iván Poduje, and the president of the CChC, Raimundo Rencoret.

Other notable participants included the Reblock Tarapacá team from INACAP Iquique, which reached the semifinals with a proposal for ecological paving stones made from a mixture of concrete, PET plastic, and recycled rubber to promote circular economy practices.