EIT Climate-KIC launches new accelerator to support solutions for the Built Environment

September 2, 2022 – Following a successful second edition of the Circular Cities ClimAccelerator (a programme that accelerates advanced start-up teams with innovative solutions fostering the circular economy in urban areas.), EIT Climate-KIC has launched a new programme – the Built Environment Circular ClimAccelerator – to accelerate the circular transition of the construction and infrastructure sectors.

The Built Environment Circular ClimAccelerator will support 25 European start-up teams with solutions in urban design, retrofitting to extending building life, the reusing, leasing, upcycling and recycling of construction materials or assessing their impact, transportation and logistics, and the energy sector.

The new accelerator offers grants and a tailor-made programme for advanced start-ups aligned with circular practices – such as modularity, upgradability and prolonged use – that can help industries benefit from the value retention of product components and materials while respecting Earth’s biophysical limits. 

EIT Climate-KIC has already supported several start-ups with solutions for the Built Environment through its entrepreneurship programmes. SunCrafter, for example, provides solar stations for micro e-mobility, venues and events, and for emergency power applications, while Concrete4Change is developing sequestration technology capable of storing up to 30 per cent of CO2 in concrete.

“Applying circular economy principles in practice is challenging and requires systemic change. But it can be done, and the benefits for businesses, the environment, the economy and society are substantial,” said Breandán Goss, Programme Director for the Circular Cities ClimAccelerator.

By adopting a circular economy, the construction industry can significantly reduce the number of virgin materials needed and waste generated. The Ellen Macarthur Foundation forecasts that applying a circular approach to the built environment could reduce global CO2 emissions by 38 per cent in 2050.

The Built Environment Circular ClimAccelerator is co-funded by EIT Climate-KIC, global innovation hub GreenTech HQ and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), with support from implementation partners Luvent Consulting and Tangent, Trinity’s Ideas Workspace – Trinity College Dublin.

The two-stage programme, comprising Business Model Development, and Validation and Traction, offers:

• – potential grant funding of up to €18.000
• – training and coaching sessions for scaling start-ups’ solutions
• – investment opportunities via EIT Climate-KIC ClimAccelerator marketplace
• – networking with cities, investors and corporates
• – peer-to-peer learning and access to our established alumni community

The call for applications is now open until 19 September.

For more information about eligibility criteria, please visit the website or write to info@circular-accelerator.com.

Press contact

Anne-Sophie Garrigou
E: anne-sophie.garrigou@climate-kic.org

Background

EIT Climate-KIC

EIT Climate-KIC is the EU’s climate innovation initiative, working to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon and resilient world by enabling systems transformation. Headquartered in Amsterdam, it operates from 13 hubs across Europe and is active in 39 countries.

EIT Climate-KIC was established in 2010 and is predominately funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union. As a Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC), it brings together more than 400 partners from business, academia, the public and non-profit sectors to create networks of expertise, through which innovative products, services and systems are developed, brought to market and scaled-up for impact.

For more information visit: climate-kic.org

Follow EIT Climate-KIC on Twitter: @ClimateKIC