Strong by Form will show its ultralight engineered wood at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Before a building even welcomes its first occupants, it begins to accumulate a significant carbon footprint. According to the World Green Building Council, the global construction and materials sector is responsible for 11% of carbon emissions. While some regions are exploring multistory timber structures, the traditional skyscraper is unlikely to be replaced anytime soon. However, a Chilean startup believes there is still potential for wood in modern architecture. Andrés Mitnik, the co-founder and CEO of Strong by Form, shared insights with TechCrunch about his company’s innovative engineered wood product. This new material aims to replace concrete and steel in structural flooring, enabling architects to create lighter and more carbon-efficient buildings. As a finalist in the Startup Battlefield Top 20, Strong by Form is showcasing its technology at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco. The uniqueness of their floor system lies in its design. “We believe we can shape wood in a way that hasn’t been done before,” Mitnik explained. Their engineered wood piece can span longer distances than current offerings, making it a viable alternative to traditional materials. Notably, it is also lighter than steel or concrete. Builders will find the exterior familiar, resembling cross-laminated timber (CLT) slabs. “When contractors see it, they recognize it as a CLT component,” Mitnik stated. The construction techniques and connection systems remain unchanged, eliminating the need for additional training. However, what sets this product apart is its internal structure, which features cavities instead of solid wood. Wood shavings are compressed into a specially designed wavy board optimized for heavy loads, similar to oriented strand board (OSB) used on many job sites. Strong by Form has developed proprietary software and manufacturing methods that allow for precise adjustments in the size and arrangement of the wood particles held together by a binder. “Think of it as a next-generation OSB,” Mitnik suggested. Utilizing wood's inherent strengths, their structural floors can currently span 10 meters (approximately 33 feet), significantly surpassing the typical span of most CLT floors. While advanced technology comes at a price, Mitnik believes the benefits of their engineered wood can lead to cost savings. “Our goal is to create something so light that it optimizes the entire structure,” he noted. This reduction in weight can decrease the amount of steel and concrete required in the building's frame, ultimately lowering construction costs. “With these savings, we aim for price parity with concrete.” Currently, Strong by Form is rigorously testing its 10-meter panels to ensure they meet the necessary fire and load standards for structural integrity. The company is also preparing to launch a Series A funding round seeking $10 million to establish a pilot plant for commercial production. Additionally, they have created a thinner three-millimeter panel designed for aesthetic applications rather than structural use, collaborating with train manufacturers to enhance train interiors while minimizing weight. “This project has funded the extensive R&D needed for our flooring solutions, which is our primary focus for scaling, as that’s where we can make a significant impact,” Mitnik concluded. To find out more about Strong by Form and witness the innovations being presented, join us at Disrupt in San Francisco this week.