The 2023 Circular Economy Incubator Welcomes 33 Swiss Circular Startups for a More Sustainable Switzerland
Geneva, January 19, 2023 – For 33 startups from across Switzerland, the three-month support program “CIRCULAR ECONOMY INCUBATOR 2023” has kicked off this week. They all have circular business models – that is, solutions based on the principles of the circular economy such as reuse, repair, resale, and refurbishment – and advocate for a future where business activities are both economically and environmentally sustainable.
As stated in the Circular Economy Strategy publication from the city of Zurich, the framework of the circular economy has a significant role to play in the transition to resilient cities. Startups offering efficient circular business models can make a meaningful contribution to this transition.
Implementation of the Hybrid Program
Over 100 startups have already participated in the three previous editions of the Circular Economy Incubator. The program is managed by Impact Hubs in Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Lugano, and Zurich and provides startups with a unique learning curve through virtual “Lunch and Learn” masterclasses, peer-to-peer learning formats, events, ongoing mentoring, and expert support in a hybrid setup.
“With a hybrid program format, we aim to ensure that all Swiss regions are integrated into the program and encourage collaboration among circularity pioneers across Switzerland. The digital ‘Circular Handbook’ allows them to flexibly access all program materials and set important milestones with their mentors over the next three months,”, explains Jaira Guevara, program coordinator at Impact Hub Geneva.
A Wide Range of Participating Startups
Although the 33 projects operate in different sectors, the circular economy is ingrained in the DNA of each one. Examples of projects include:
- Textiles and consumer goods, including WellRounded and OceanSafe.
- Food and agriculture, including Kouri and EasyVrac.
- Sharing and platform solutions, including Circular Lugano and CircleUp.
- Mobility and the built environment, including Seastem and Greensol.
For more information about the startups, click here.
For further information, please contact: Myriam Saad, Communication Manager at Circular Economy Transition and Impact Hub Switzerland, myriam.saad@impacthub.ch
Feel free to reach out to us directly for interviews or more information about the program.
Logos and images: click here
About the Circular Economy Transition Initiative
Circular Economy Transition is a pioneering initiative aimed at accelerating Switzerland’s transition to a circular economy. It is present in 6 Swiss cities – Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Lugano, and Zurich. In close collaboration with Impact Hub Switzerland, sanu durabilitas, and with the support of the MAVA Foundation, UBS, Swisscom, local partners Stadt Zurich, Canton of Geneva, City of Geneva, Bern Economic Development Agency, Vaud, Zewil, SIG, and others, this initiative contributes to fostering circular thinking for the future of businesses, policies, and society. In addition to the incubation program, Circular Economy Transition organizes monthly community events on circular economy themes and runs the Business Lab, a platform for businesses and SMEs to help them identify the potential of circular business, optimize their value chains, and prototype new solutions and products.
Website: www.cetransition.ch
About Impact Hub Switzerland
The Impact Hub Switzerland association was founded in May 2019 by the six Swiss Impact Hubs, which together have eight locations in Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Lugano, and Zurich. The Swiss community of approximately 1’500 members consists of entrepreneurs, creatives, and techies who can benefit from the Impact Hub network’s services across Switzerland. These include coworking spaces, meeting rooms, events, and startup support programs. The association’s activities focus on entrepreneurship, sustainability, innovation, and new forms of work.
Website: www.impacthub.ch
