The Circular Venture Accelerator 2026 is a high-impact, industry-embedded programme designed for late-stage start-ups and scaling innovators. Delivered by Irish Manufacturing Research and funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment as part of CIRCULÉIRE, this six-month accelerator assists ambitious circular ventures in preparing for commercial scaling, enterprise adoption, and investment readiness. Participants will work closely with leading circularity experts, Irish Manufacturing Research specialists, and experienced industry members to advance their ventures.
Program Focus
• Strengthen business models
• Accelerate product and technology development
• Adopt circular metrics
• Anticipate and align with policy shifts
• Become investment and partnership-ready
• Sharpen strategy and scale operations
• Prove economics and prepare for partnerships or funding rounds
Key Features
• Deep Industry Integration: Provides access to Ireland's largest circular economy industry network and the Industry Members Advisory Group (IMAG).
• Commercial Scaling: The program's core focus is on enabling ventures to quantify important metrics and leverage compliance as a competitive advantage.
Benefits for Participants
• Funding: Receive €5,000 in equity-free funding.
• Membership: Gain free CIRCULÉIRE Membership for 2026, which includes ecosystem access, networking opportunities, and a wide range of circularity resources and supports.
• Industry Engagement: Engage directly with industry through IMAG for real-world insights, validation, and collaboration opportunities.
• Facility Access: Utilize IMR’s prototyping, testing, and technology development facilities to support product and manufacturing advancement.
• Funding Support: Receive hands-on support, including guidance on RD&I pathways, grant identification, and funding readiness preparation.
Application Details
• Application Deadline: 7th May 2026 (08 May 2026, 00:59 GMT+1)
• Submission Platform: Applications are accepted exclusively through Awards Force.
Ventures accepted into the programme can expect a targeted, industry-embedded scale-up journey specifically designed to accelerate commercial growth, enhance strategic clarity, and build investor readiness for the next stage of their development.