Innovation at the heart of Europe: Meet the 15 start-ups selected for Circular Valley’s Silicon Valley of the circular economy initiative

The Circular Valley initiative, established in Germany by the Circular Valley Foundation in 2021, is on a mission to create a ‘Silicon Valley of the circular economy’ in the heart of Europe. With major companies like BASF, Bayer, Evonik, Knipe, and Vorwerk as well as renowned scientific institutions such as the Fraunhofer Umsicht Institute, Max Planck Society, and Wuppertal Institute among its members, the initiative aims to close material loops along existing value chains and educate the public about the circular economy.

The latest cohort of start-ups has just been announced for the funding programme that supports over 100 start-ups from around the world. These 15 teams from countries like Egypt, Chile, India, and across Europe will spend three months refining their business models starting in April. As part of the programme, these start-up leaders receive guidance from coaches and mentors and connect with local industry professionals. The funding programme will culminate in a demonstration day on 28 May where these start-ups will showcase their ideas to an audience.

The current focus of this round of funding is on coordinating value chains, utilizing alternative raw materials and bioeconomy techniques and exploring new techniques for chemical recycling. Among the newest start-ups supported by this round are companies like Agrona, Circulix