To all startups with business concepts for the circular economy
9 'Giga-Impact' Topics
Information about batch #8
Why you should apply

  • Participate in an on-site program with startups from all over the world: Benefit from the exchange with your peers, become part of a global community
  • Gain access to the partner companies from the Circular Valley network. Meet representatives in person and online via our exclusive matchmaking tool
  • Connect with leading labs, mentors, and industry experts from academia, government, and business sectors
  • Showcase your startup at the Circular Valley Convention 2025 (March 12–13), with a dedicated startup booth and a chance to pitch your innovations on Demo Day: Present your ideas to top corporations, investors, and media representatives
  • Receive financial support covering travel, accommodation, visa costs, and more while retaining full ownership of your company: We do not require equity
Upcoming batch #8

Following our mission, 'Grow the Economy – Protect the Environment', we are looking for startups engaged in the transformation from a linear to a circular economy and that are keen on contributing to our unique environment in Circular Valley.

Batch #8 focuses on the following nine topics:

1. Construction Materials

2. Capital Goods (including renewable energy assets)

3. Consumer Goods - Focus on design for circularity

4. Agricultural Products - Focus on biomass for the conversion into new materials and ingredients

5. Water - Focus on reduced water consumption and circular use in the industry

6. Plastics - Focus on plastics use in several loops

7. Alternative Feedstock - Focus on renewable raw materials

8. Value Chain Orchestration (including packaging, transport, collection)

9. All R-strategies - Focus on reverse logistics

Note: Startups will obtain access to the Circular Valley network and our contact matching tool
What we expect from you

  • Interest in actively engaging with our partners and further developing your business model
  • Participation in our program components and on-site peer-to-peer exchanges. Please find the dates for batch #8 below
  • Fluent in written and spoken English
  • During the three-week on-site phase, at least one representative of each startup must attend the program on-site
What is important - timing

The two-month program of Batch #8 starts at the end of January and consists of one on-site phase in Wuppertal, Germany (February 24th to March 14th, 2025). After the mandatory on-site phase, startups can stay in Wuppertal for an additional week (until March 22nd, 2025) to meet with our partner companies, institutions, or alumni.

15 startups for batch #8 will be selected until the end of January 2025.

The kick-off will take place virtually on February 19th, 2025.

Each startup from Batch #8 will receive a stand at the Circular Valley Convention 2025 on March 12 and 13. The Circular Valley Convention combines a top-class conference, an expo, and an exclusive event. It offers startups the perfect opportunity to present themselves, exchange knowledge, expand networks, and find partners or customers.

One highlight of the Circular Valley Convention will be the Demo Day of Batch #8.

Check out our FAQ section to find more information about the accelerator program.
About Circular Valley

At the core of our program, you will have the opportunity to connect with 160+ partners from industry, R&D and government from our Circular Valley® network. In addition, expert workshops, tailor-made trainings as well as an intensive coaching and mentoring program await you. You will be surrounded by a vibrant, international and diverse community of startups and the dedicated Circular Economy Accelerator team.

Circular Valley® is a globally unique hotspot for the establishment of a future-oriented circular economy. Since its foundation in the summer of 2021, over 120 startups from all around the world have participated in its Circular Economy Accelerator.
It is funded by the North-Rhine-Westphalian Ministry of Economics to leverage and further develop the unique strengths of the region by trendsetting, innovative circular economy concepts, products and business models.
Funded by