The CirculaRise Accelerator in Germany is a program designed to support growth-stage social businesses in developing and scaling inclusive circular solutions. It utilizes the CirculaRise Accelerator Framework to guide entrepreneurs in bridging the gap between economic viability, environmental responsibility, and social impact. The initiative aims to empower these businesses to lead the transition to a more sustainable economy by helping them innovate within the circular economy, measure and communicate their impact, and secure strategic partnerships for implementation and scaling.
Program Structure and Key Components
• Program Duration: A 6-month accelerator program featuring structured coaching and training, followed by an additional 6 months of on-demand support tailored to specific needs.
• Community Access: Participants gain life-long community membership with access to ongoing opportunities.
• Learning Model: A blended learning approach that includes group trainings, expert-led masterclasses, a personalised coaching and learning journey, and peer-to-peer exchange.
• Core Benefits: Access to practical toolboxes, publications, and reports; entry into a growing alumni and partner network; and opportunities for visibility through networking events and a demo day.
• Program Format: The program is conducted online, with two mandatory in-person events: the kick-off event and the Demo Day.
Eligibility Criteria
• Legal Status: The business must be registered in Germany.
• Business Model: Must have a circular business model or be transitioning toward circularity.
• Mission: A demonstrated commitment to social and environmental impact is required.
• Team Commitment: Two team members must be available to participate, with a total time commitment of 8–10 hours per month.
Application Timeline
• Application Deadline: 30 April 2026
• Application Results Announcement: May 2026
• Program Kick-off Event: 17 June 2026
• Training & Coaching Period: June - November 2026
• Demo Day: Fall 2026
• On-demand Support Phase: Concludes in May 2027
Opportunities for Participation and Collaboration
• For Social Businesses: Participants can join training sessions and expert-led masterclasses, receive personalised coaching and tailored support, and learn from peers while networking with partners, customers, and investors.
• For Funders and Investors: The program offers a chance to discover social businesses with tested solutions, explore impact-proven investment opportunities, and co-develop investment approaches suited for holistic impact.
• For Partners: Partners can collaborate with circular innovators and social entrepreneurs, engage in knowledge exchange and ecosystem building, and co-create and scale inclusive circular solutions.
Alumni Showcase
• Bean United: Sector - Sustainable Agriculture and Processing; Location - Oberhaching, Germany; Circular strategy - Circular Value Chain and Resource Recovery & Recycling.
• ContainerGrid: Sector - Software Development, Waste Management; Location - Munich, Germany; Circular strategy - Product Life Extension and Resource Recovery & Recycling.
• Qubitkidz: Sector - Interior Design; Location - Berlin, Germany; Circular strategy - Product Life Extension and Resource Recovery & Recycling.
• SONRIZA: Sector - Retail, Fashion and Design; Location - Munich, Germany; Circular strategy - Circular Value Chain.
• Shit2Power: Sector - Waste Management; Location - Berlin, Germany; Circular strategy - Resource Recovery & Recycling.
• LOTTA LUDWIGSON: Sector - Fashion and Design; Location - Berlin, Germany; Circular strategy - Circular Value Chain & Product-as-a-Service.
• Repair Circle: Sector - Waste Management; Location - Berlin, Germany; Circular strategy - Product Life Extension and Resource Recovery & Recycling.
This fully funded program is designed for established social businesses with circular solutions that are ready to scale. It aims to help participants strengthen their circular strategy, improve customer readiness, and scale their impact while maintaining financial sustainability. For complete details on the program and to apply, interested parties should consult the official CirculaRise Accelerator channels.