Circular Startups Challenge

Circular Startups Challenge: Online Accelerator Program

The Circular Startups Challenge is a free online program that aims to fascilitate the creation of new circular economy startups. If you have the passion to transform waste into valuable resources or develop services that adapt to the future circular economy dynamics, we invite you to join us in making a sustainable impact!

Services Materials Waste

Application Deadline – May 15th 2023

Online Sessions
May – July 2023

Live Workshops
August 31st

Demo Day
Sept 1st 2023

Build an Innovative Solution

During 8 weekly online sessions (May – July), you will be guided through the process of building a prototype for a circular solution.

Benefit from individual mentorship, attend the Live Workshops on August 31st in Sofia, and get the chance to pitch your idea to stakeholders and investors during the GreenUP Boost Event on September 1st.

This program is free and open to individuals or teams of students and professionals who will be paired based on complementary abilities. Places are limited, early registrations have priority.

online sessions

months

hrs per week

Challenge by:

GreenUP

GreenUP is a platform for sustainable solutions and green innovations. Our aim is to build a community, driven by entrepreneurs, that tackles the biggest challenges of the 21st century. We are ready to help you build your solution from the ground up and connect you with the right partners for successful startup.

From Idea to Prototype in 3 Months

Week 1 - Onboarding Session: Get acquainted with the program, meet fellow participants, and engage in team-building exercises to set the stage for collaborative success.
Week 2 - Introduction to Circular Economy: Learn the fundamentals of circular economy, explore relevant case studies, and brainstorm business ideas to work on throughout the program.
Week 3 - Lean Startup Approach: Dive into the Lean Startup methodology, develop your business canvas and value proposition, and learn about hypothesis and user testing.
Week 4 - Financial, Investment, Fundraising: Understand different business models, revenue and cost structures, and navigate the various stages of startup funding.
Week 5 - Legal: Get informed about company registration, intellectual property protection, and environmental and waste treatment regulations.
Week 6 - Marketing & Pitching: Work on your brand strategy and marketing approach, create enticing decks and master the art of pitching.
Week 7 - Sustainable Startup Success Stories: Gain inspiration from successful startups and learn from their experiences.
Week 8 - Corporate Collaboration and Sustainable Impact Evaluation: Explore opportunities for collaboration with corporations to accelerate your startup's growth. Get the tools you need to estimate and communicate your sustainable impact.
Starting from July, you will be paired with a mentor/advisor based on your specific needs. Individual progress meetings with your team will take place in the first weeks of August, while you are independently working on your solution.
The program will be primarily in Bulgarian, but command of English is a plus. You do not need to have a startup idea to participate.

What’s in it for you:

Gain valuable knowledge and insights on the circular economy and how to launch a successful startup in this field
Network with like-minded individuals and form strong, diverse teams to work on innovative circular economy projects
Receive expert mentorship and guidance from industry professionals throughout the program
Attend engaging online workshops and live events that will enhance your skills and understanding of the circular economy and entrepreneurship
Get the opportunity to pitch your startup idea to stakeholders and investors at the GreenUP Boost event
Participate in a program that is completely free of charge, with no payment or equity required to enter
Contribute to building a sustainable future by turning waste into valuable resources and creating services for the circular economy