Turn your circular idea into a business
The CET Incubator supports start-ups from French-speaking Switzerland from idea to market, with Business Clinics, coaching, mentoring and a network of investors.
The 8th edition of the Circular Economy Incubator starts in February 2027!
startups supported since the launch
startups per edition, from all over Switzerland
cities, including Geneva and Lausanne
fee, only if your startup is selected
A national programme, rooted in French-speaking Switzerland
The circular economy (CE) is a model of production and consumption that moves away from the linear model, which generates waste and pollution. It reduces dependence on global supply chains and creates value locally.
The CET Incubator helps start-ups develop their minimum viable product (MVP) and validate their business model. It is part of the national Circular Economy Transition programme, running in six Swiss cities.
We support circular solutions in five areas
Lifestyles
Fashion, everyday items, reuse and rental.
Manufacturing
Recycled materials, upcycling and eco-design.
Transport and mobility
Active mobility, low-carbon logistics and deliveries.
Construction
Bio-based materials, insulation and low-carbon cement.
Food systems
Tackling food waste and short supply chains.
Everything you need to go from idea to market
Community and space
Connect with companies, public institutions, entrepreneurs, makers and technicians, while working in an inspiring space in the heart of your city.
Startup support
Get mentoring and workshops led by business and circular economy experts to refine your MVP and business model.
Events and network
Build connections and share best practices with other entrepreneurs and circular economy experts at events across Switzerland.
Visibility across Switzerland
Gain local and national exposure through conferences, pitch days, press, newsletters and social media.
Is your startup ready?
Impact in Switzerland
Your solution has an impact in Switzerland.
Circularity at its core
Your project is circular or wants to become more so.
Idea, prototype or acceleration
Your startup is at one of these three stages.
1 to 2 days a week
Founders can dedicate this time to the programme.
Good to know
- No limit on team size.
- Compatible with a full-time or part-time job: one to two mandatory online meetings per week.
- Mostly in English, with French or German if needed.
- Travel costs are not reimbursed.
From info session to Demo Day
Five months, from February to June 2027, partly at Impact Hub and partly online.
Info session
February 2nd
CHF 100 fee, paid only by the selected start-ups.
Kick-off
Meet your cohort and the team in person.
Masterclasses, coaching, mentoring
Local masterclasses in person, national ones online, and a mentor by your side.
Demo Day
Pitch your start-up to investors, partners and the public.
A typical week
One to two mandatory meetings per week.
Local masterclasses, usually on Wednesdays.
You book sessions directly with your coaches.
Watch a previous info session
Replay on YouTube
Meet our alumni
More than 130 circular start-ups supported. Here are the latest cohorts from French-speaking Switzerland: discover their projects and visit their websites.
Birds&Co
A spot for the nest, next to your boat. A floating cork platform, moored a few metres from your berth. The birds nest on it. Your boat stays free.
CoDe
CoDe is a Geneva-based manufacturer founded in 2024 by designer Claudio Colucci. CoDe embodies the synergy between artists, craftspeople and designers in transforming materials into one-of-a-kind pieces.
LeJaPo
Designing a micro garden is all about organising and optimising space. A pocket garden is an urban garden that can help improve quality of life in the city.
Smartbatt
Our battery is repairable and universal, and is made of Swiss reconditioned cells recovered from recycled conventional batteries.
MediWaste
Recycling hospital waste instead of incinerating it.
Roxie'
An immersive culinary experience centred on veganism.
KOLI
Reusable shipping packaging for e-commerce.
StylistEye
An app to digitise your wardrobe and buy less.
What the startups say
The national programme’s impact report presents the results of the start-ups supported since 2018.
“The CE incubator and our mentor had a crucial impact on our company: they pushed us to identify and design the main levers of a self-sustaining business model. We were introduced to the sustainability community, which gave us effective visibility and our first media coverage.”
Co-founder, Miniloop
“The circular economy incubator helped us integrate even further into the Swiss start-up ecosystem. Impact Hub acted as a key player in improving our visibility.”
Co-founder, Direct Coffee
“Thanks to the CE incubator, we were able to raise awareness of the Kompotoi brand and inspire many people to support our cause.”
Co-founder, Kompotoi
Your questions
Who is the programme for?
For startups that have an impact in Switzerland, are circular or want to become more so, are at the idea, prototype or acceleration stage, and whose founders can dedicate one to two days a week to it.
Where does the programme take place?
Partly at Impact Hub Geneva or Lausanne, partly online. The kick-off, Demo Day, local masterclasses and coaching take place in person. National masterclasses and mentoring are usually online.
What language is the programme in?
Mostly English. French or German are possible if needed, with the help of bilingual coordinators.
Is there a participation fee?
Yes, CHF 100 per start-up, paid only if your start-up is selected. Travel costs are not reimbursed.
I work full-time or part-time. Can I apply?
Yes. You only need to attend one or two mandatory online meetings per week, on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 2 pm.
Is there a limit on team size?
No, there is no limit.
Support tomorrow’s circular startups
Three ways to get involved with the CET Incubator, depending on your goals.
Innovation mindset
A meeting to define your scouting needs
A seat on the jury that selects start-ups in your sector
A matchmaking event with the entrepreneurs
Tickets to VIP events and private meetings
Employee engagement
Your experts lead masterclasses for the startups
Mentoring and coaching by your teams
An innovation workshop on circular business models
Circular economy positioning
Your logo online and offline
Mentions in press releases, the newsletter and the blog
Mentions on the programme’s social media
Speaking slots at events
geneva@impacthub.net
Our Partners
A programme co-organised by
With the support of
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