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 #10 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

The 15 startups for Batch #10 will be selected by the end of December 2025.

The two-month program of Batch #10 consists of a virtual preparation phase, a mandatory three-week on-site phase in Wuppertal, Germany, and an optional additional partner week.

The program starts with a virtual introductory event on January 26th. The needs assessments will be conducted virtually in individual appointments during the week of January 26th to January 30th. A virtual "Get to Know" event for Batch #10 will take place on February 9th.

The on-site phase in Wuppertal (February 23rd to March 13th, 2026) starts with the kick-off on February 23rd where participating startups will have their first opportunity to meet Circular Valley's partners in person. Each startup from Batch #10 will receive a stand at the Circular Valley Convention 2026 on March 11th and 12th. 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 #10.

After the mandatory on-site phase, startups can stay in Wuppertal for an additional week (until March 20th, 2026) to meet with our partner companies, institutions, or alumni.

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

At the core of our program, you will have the opportunity to connect with more than 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 awaits 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 140 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.