The Circular Valley initiative in Germany has recently launched a new round of its funding programme with the goal of developing a ‘Silicon Valley of the circular economy’ in the heart of Europe. Established by the Circular Valley Foundation in 2021, the initiative aims to close material loops along existing value chains, create policy recommendations, and educate the public about the circular economy.
The latest cohort of start-ups, comprising 15 teams from countries like Egypt, Chile, India, and across Europe, will spend three months in the Rhine-Ruhr region refining their business models starting in April. As part of the programme, these start-up leaders receive guidance from coaches and mentors, visit various companies, and connect with local industry professionals. The funding programme will culminate in a demonstration day on 28 May, where the start-ups will showcase their ideas to an audience.
Among the current members of Circular Valley are major companies like BASF, Bayer, Evonik, Knipe, and Vorwerk