Start-ups join the circular economy’s ‘silicon valley’ • Recycling International
Start-ups join the circular economy's 'silicon valley' • Recycling International Recycling International
sdgtalks
The Circular Valley Initiative in Germany
Introduction
The Circular Valley initiative in Germany has launched a new round of its funding programme with the aim of developing a ‘Silicon Valley of the circular economy’ in the heart of Europe. The initiative, which was established by the Circular Valley Foundation in 2021, focuses on closing material loops along existing value chains, developing policy recommendations, and raising awareness about the circular economy.
Current Members and Achievements
The Circular Valley initiative currently includes renowned companies such as BASF, Bayer, Evonik, Knipe, and Vorwerk, as well as scientific institutions like the Fraunhofer Umsicht Institute, the Max Planck Society, and the Wuppertal Institute. Since its inception, more than 100 start-ups from around the world have been funded by Circular Valley to advance their ideas in the Rhine-Ruhr region.
New Funding Programme
The latest round of funding includes 15 start-ups from Egypt, Chile, India, and various European countries. These start-ups will spend three months in the Rhine-Ruhr region, starting in April, to develop their business models. Throughout the programme, the start-up leaders will receive guidance from coaches and mentors, visit local companies, and network with industry professionals. The programme will culminate in a demonstration day on 28 May, during which the start-ups will present their ideas to an audience.
Focus Areas of the Funding Programme
The current funding programme places significant emphasis on three main areas:
- Coordinating the value chain
- Alternative raw materials and bioeconomy
- New technologies for chemical recycling
The Most Recent Start-ups
- Coordinating the value chain:
- Agrona (Egypt)
- Circulix (Germany)
- CL Circular (Spain)
- ContainerGrid (Germany)
- VGC.AI (Germany)
- Alternative raw materials and bioeconomy:
- CarbonCraft (India)
- Circular Structures (Germany)
- Flower Matter (Germany)
- Upcyde (Denmark)
- New technologies for chemical recycling:
- Radical Dot (Germany)
- Sustanix Materialtech (Netherlands)
- T-phite (Chile)
- Blue Plasmapower (Spain)
- Others:
- Qaptis (Switzerland)
- Waste to Wealth (Tanzania)
SDGs, Targets and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization | – The Circular Valley initiative aims to develop a ‘Silicon Valley of the circular economy’ in Germany, which promotes innovation and sustainable industrialization. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources | – The Circular Valley initiative aims to close material loops along existing value chains, which contributes to sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development | – The Circular Valley initiative involves collaboration between various companies, scientific institutions, and start-ups from different countries, promoting partnerships for sustainable development. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: recyclinginternational.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
