Five years Circular Economy Accelerator
Driving circular economy innovation with lasting impact 12.08.2026178 startups from 45 countries, more than € 350 million in funding raised, and numerous collaborations with industry and academia: Five years after its launch, the Circular Economy Accelerator reflects on its achievements – and demonstrates how startup support can create lasting impact.
© Jan Turek/Circular Valley
Five years ago, the first startups arrived in Circular Valley to take part in the world's first in-person accelerator dedicated to the circular economy. Today, the results speak for themselves: 178 startups from 45 countries have completed the program, collectively raising more than € 350 million in funding while building numerous partnerships with industry, academia, and investors. Importantly, support does not end when the program concludes. Circular Valley continues to accompany its startups as alumni, remaining a long-term partner throughout their growth journey.
Since 2021, Circular Valley has successfully delivered ten batches of the Circular Economy Accelerator and one batch of the Reverse Logistics Accelerator. More than 90 % of all alumni companies remain active today, 30 alumni companies have each raised more than € 1 million in funding, while six have successfully achieved strategic exits.
Start-ups with Federal Environment Minister C. Schneider and North Rhine-Westphalia Environment Minister O. Krischer
© Jan Turek/Circular Valley
Circular Valley continues supporting startups beyond the in-person program
The Accelerator's success is measured by far more than fundraising alone. Circular Valley deliberately pursues a long-term alumni approach. Even after the intensive in-person program, startups remain part of the network, regularly share updates on their progress, continue to benefit from valuable connections and expertise, receive ongoing support, and remain actively involved in Circular Valley's activities.
A key contributor to this success is Circular Valley's strong network of industry partners, academic institutions, and investors. Throughout the on-site program, founders refine their investor pitches, practice presenting to investors, and meet experienced executives from international companies during Hot Chair Sessions. These interactions frequently lead to collaborations and long-term business relationships.
The diverse paths taken by alumni illustrate the program's impact. U.S.-based Novoloop is scaling its chemical recycling technology for polyethylene and has been recognized in TIME magazine's list of Top GreenTech Companies. Bioweg is currently building Germany's first industrial-scale production facility for bacterial cellulose to replace microplastics. R3 Robotics develops automated systems for recycling batteries and electric drivetrains and successfully closed a € 20 million funding round in early 2026.
"The Circular Economy Accelerator is the heart of Circular Valley's work. What matters to us is not only the time startups spend in the program, but also what happens afterwards. Our goal is to strengthen innovation over the long term. That's why our alumni remain an integral part of our network and continue to benefit from exchanges with industry, academia, and investors years after completing the program," says Dr. Carsten Gerhardt, Chairman of the Circular Valley Foundation.
Numerous partners from the Circular Valley network actively contribute to the on-site program
"Working with the startups in the Circular Valley Accelerator is a truly rewarding experience every time. I'm inspired by the energy, creativity, and determination with which people from around the world are developing solutions for a more sustainable future. The exchange provides me with valuable new perspectives while giving the startups a practical reality check from an industry perspective," says Dr. Timo Fleßner of Bayer AG.
"The circular economy is one of the defining challenges for the future of Germany and Europe. It will play a decisive role in determining whether our industries remain innovative, become more independent and resilient, and at the same time take responsibility for the sustainable use of scarce resources. Supporting Circular Valley is therefore more than a personal commitment for me – it is a clear commitment to strengthening the long-term competitiveness of our industrial base," says Dr. Dorothee Becker, CEO of Gebrüder Becker.
Dr. Hendrik Wehr, CEO of Vorwerk Engineering Vorwerk Elektrowerke, also actively contributes to every edition of the Accelerator. "New perspectives inspire me – and that's exactly what makes this role so valuable. I can contribute my experience while at the same time learning from the energy and ideas of young entrepreneurs," he says.
Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing more success stories from our alumni network.
Meanwhile, applications for the next batch of the Circular Economy Accelerator are currently open. Startups from around the world can apply until Sunday. In October and November, the selected entrepreneurs will come to the Rhine-Ruhr region for several weeks to take part in the program. As every year, the highlight will be the Demo Day at the Circular Valley Forum on 13 November, where participants will present their innovations to a large audience.
