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This study examines the potential of using calcium‐rich precursors to improve the strength of alkali‐activated slag (AAS) cement at low temperature. To achieve this target, the effect of calcium‐rich precursors on the early strength development of AAS mortars cured at 5°C was assessed. The strength development was investigated along with its internal temperature, microstructure and reaction products. It is found that the calcium‐rich precursors can improve the early strength of AAS around 35% and the group with Portland cement clinker gave the highest strength. Calcium oxide can also increase the compressive strength of AAS cement, but its effectiveness is not as good as the sample with clinker. Adding calcium sulfoaluminate can increase the early strength, while no significant contribution to 28‐day strength could be found. The results highlight that compressive strength of modified AAS mortar can reach 15 MPa at 6 h and 20 MPa at 24 h at 5°C, suggesting that this binder could be a valuable alternative for low temperature construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]