Test it on a real jobsite.
Good ideas die in demos. We give promising tools, materials and methods a fair trial with our own crews, on live projects, measured against the way we build today.
Ideas that earn their place.
- I1
A real problem, stated plainly
Struck-by hazards, rework, late deliveries, slow inspections. Tell us which problem you solve and how you know it matters in the field.
- I2
Something crews will use
If it adds steps for a foreman at 6 a.m., it will not survive. We look for tools that fit how work is actually done.
- I3
A way to measure it
Hours saved, incidents avoided, carbon reduced, rework cut. Pilots need a baseline and a number to beat.
- I4
Ready for site conditions
Dust, weather, poor connectivity and gloves. Products should be past the prototype stage and safe to use around live work.
- I5
A path to scale
If the pilot works, we want to roll it out across projects. Tell us what that takes in training, support and cost.
How a pilot works.
A short, honest process. If an idea is not right for us, we will tell you why so you can take it somewhere it fits.
Use the form below. Describe the problem, the solution and any field results you already have.
Our VDC, safety, self-perform or sustainability people review it, depending on what it touches, and set up a call if it looks promising.
We agree a project, a crew, a duration and the measures of success in writing, along with who pays for what and how data is handled.
Our crews use it on live work. You get honest feedback from superintendents and foremen, not a polished survey.
We share the results and decide on next steps: refine and retest, roll out to more projects, or part ways with lessons learned.
What innovators can expect.
The same commitments on every project, in every market, whatever the size of your firm.
- Payment
- Clear terms, agreed at awardPilot terms, including any fees, equipment costs and who covers them, are agreed in writing before the pilot starts.
- Safety
- One standard on every siteEvery pilot goes through a safety review and task hazard analysis before it reaches a crew.
- Communication
- Straight answers, earlyDirect access to the field team running the pilot, and a written summary of results at the end.
- Growth
- Mentoring for emerging firmsEarly-stage and emerging firms can tap the same mentoring we offer trade partners through Rising Trade Partners.
Submit an idea.
Tell us the problem, your solution and where it stands today. Keep confidential details out of this first message. We can discuss them under a nondisclosure agreement later.
Prefer to talk first? Email the partner team.
partners@markwester.comInnovation questions.
Do you pay for pilots?
It depends on the pilot. Costs, equipment and any fees are agreed in writing before anything reaches a jobsite, so both sides know the terms.
What happens to my intellectual property?
It stays yours. Keep confidential details out of your first submission. If we move forward, we can sign a nondisclosure agreement before going deeper.
Do you work with startups?
Yes, if the product is safe to use around live work. Concept-stage ideas are welcome too, though they usually start with a conversation rather than a pilot.
Can a trade partner or supplier submit an idea?
Absolutely. Some of the best improvements come from the crews and suppliers who already work on our sites.
How do I follow up on a submission?
Email partners@markwester.com with the name of your idea and we will tell you where it stands.
Show us what works better.
Send your idea or email the partner team. If it can make a site safer or a schedule shorter, we want to try it.