The Circular Valley initiative, based in Germany, is currently in its latest funding round with the goal of establishing a ‘Silicon Valley of the circular economy’ in the heart of Europe. Since its launch in 2021 by the Circular Valley Foundation, the initiative has focused on closing material loops along existing value chains and educating the public about the circular economy.

Among its current members are major companies such as BASF, Bayer, Evonik, Knipe, and Vorwerk, as well as renowned scientific institutions including the Fraunhofer Umsicht Institute, Max Planck Society, and Wuppertal Institute. Over 100 start-ups from around the world have been supported by Circular Valley so far.

The latest cohort of start-ups comprises 15 teams from countries like Egypt, Chile, India and across Europe. These start-ups will spend three months refining their business models starting in April. As part of the programme they will 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 they will showcase their ideas to an audience.

The current focus of the funding programme is on coordinating value chains, utilizing alternative raw materials and bioeconomy and exploring new techniques for chemical recycling. The newest start-ups in these areas include companies like Agrona, Circulix, VGC.AI CarbonCraft among others who are working towards building a sustainable circular economy in Europe through their innovative solutions.