2025-08-14
Circular Valley and startport launch Reverse Logistics Accelerator
Source: Circular Valley
The new program supports and connects innovative startups in the field of reverse logistics. In doing so, it makes a lasting contribution to the development and strengthening of reverse logistics, an important topic for the circular economy.
The innovation platform startport is launching the Reverse Logistics Accelerator on behalf of Circular Valley. The aim is to provide targeted support for innovative start-ups in the field of reverse logistics and the circular economy. The program supports business models that contribute to the circular economy in their implementation and strengthens networking with industry partners and potential investors.
Retrieving, reprocessing, and reusing products: reverse logistics is a central component of the circular economy and is becoming increasingly important for companies from a strategic perspective. The aim of the new accelerator program is to support startups in developing and launching innovative, sustainable solutions in this area.
The program assists with knowledge and network
The program provides assistance with questions relating to financing, sales, and communication, and helps to establish long-term partnerships between startups and established companies and investors.
“The aim of Circular Valley is to set up accelerator programs for as many circular focus topics as possible in the greater Rhine-Ruhr region,” says Dr. Carsten Gerhardt, chairman of the non-profit Circular Valley Foundation. “Logistics is a key issue for a functioning circular economy. With startport at the Port of Duisburg, we are delighted to have an excellent partner with extensive expertise in this field.”
“Reverse logistics is a key lever for a functioning circular economy. With Circular Valley, we have a strong partner at our side to promote targeted innovation in this area,” says Johannes Franke, Managing Director of startport. "Together, we are creating a platform with the Reverse Logistics Accelerator where startups can work closely with industry, logistics, and sustainability experts—right in the heart of the Rhine-Ruhr region."
Tailored support – virtual and on-site
The program combines virtual and on-site modules. Participants will meet in person at a kick-off event, three intensive workshops, coaching sessions, and networking events with industry partners, as well as at the Circular Valley Forum on November 14, 2025. They will also stay in touch digitally through weekly meetings, mentoring sessions, online workshops, and virtual networking.
Startups from Germany and neighboring countries are eligible to apply, but the focus is on North Rhine-Westphalia. The young companies can be in the pre-seed to Series A stages. Relevant industries include reverse logistics, circular economy in connection with logistics, sustainable logistics, innovative tracking and tracing technologies, and route optimization solutions. Applications can be submitted via the application portal.
Retrieving, reprocessing, and reusing products: reverse logistics is a central component of the circular economy and is becoming increasingly important for companies from a strategic perspective. The aim of the new accelerator program is to support startups in developing and launching innovative, sustainable solutions in this area.
The program assists with knowledge and network
The program provides assistance with questions relating to financing, sales, and communication, and helps to establish long-term partnerships between startups and established companies and investors.
“The aim of Circular Valley is to set up accelerator programs for as many circular focus topics as possible in the greater Rhine-Ruhr region,” says Dr. Carsten Gerhardt, chairman of the non-profit Circular Valley Foundation. “Logistics is a key issue for a functioning circular economy. With startport at the Port of Duisburg, we are delighted to have an excellent partner with extensive expertise in this field.”
“Reverse logistics is a key lever for a functioning circular economy. With Circular Valley, we have a strong partner at our side to promote targeted innovation in this area,” says Johannes Franke, Managing Director of startport. "Together, we are creating a platform with the Reverse Logistics Accelerator where startups can work closely with industry, logistics, and sustainability experts—right in the heart of the Rhine-Ruhr region."
Tailored support – virtual and on-site
The program combines virtual and on-site modules. Participants will meet in person at a kick-off event, three intensive workshops, coaching sessions, and networking events with industry partners, as well as at the Circular Valley Forum on November 14, 2025. They will also stay in touch digitally through weekly meetings, mentoring sessions, online workshops, and virtual networking.
Startups from Germany and neighboring countries are eligible to apply, but the focus is on North Rhine-Westphalia. The young companies can be in the pre-seed to Series A stages. Relevant industries include reverse logistics, circular economy in connection with logistics, sustainable logistics, innovative tracking and tracing technologies, and route optimization solutions. Applications can be submitted via the application portal.
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The image may be used free of charge for reporting purposes, provided you cite the source.
The non-profit Circular Valley Foundation brings together the relevant stakeholders. Across industries and technologies, companies, startups, academia, and policymakers are working together to develop solutions for the transformation to a true circular economy. Public relations, the world's first circular economy accelerator, and policy recommendations are the foundation's main areas of focus.
As a subsidiary of the Port of Duisburg, startport GmbH is committed to initiating a creative culture of innovation and actively promoting further development in the field of logistics and supply chain management. With this aim in mind, it supports and challenges young start-ups that work together with duisport and the companies based here to develop forward-looking ideas for the leading logistics hub in the heart of Europe. startport.net
