Kickstart Innovation is an ecosystem innovation platform bringing together well-established corporates, cities, foundations and universities with the most promising later-stage startups in Europe. Together they can build and experience a conducive environment where to co-design, test and implement - establishing partnerships and building proofs-of-concept.
Together with Kickstart Innovation, Circular Economy Transition introduced the Circular Economy focus area to the program, because transitioning to and scaling up the Circular Economy requires innovation efforts in different fields: from product to process; from finance to economics. More importantly, we need to have a systemic commitment involving, for example, the role of finance, product innovation in the LOD, process and service innovation, public policymaking, the education system for the professionals of the future.
A call-to-action for circularity-related startups
Every year, we assess the circularity-related innovation needs of our corporate partners and then we look for promising later-stage startups having solutions and technology to satisfy those needs. Our main objective is to ensure the startups participants in our program have a PoC (proof-of-concept) with one of our partners.
Two concrete examples
Coop and Planted
In 2019, when veganism started to get its first public attraction, Planted and Coop tested the demand and acceptance of plant-based meat products in several selected stores. Nowadays, the products of Planted are listed in all main Coop points of sales.
Holcim Switzerland and Neustark
Holcim Switzerland and Neustark (alumnus of the CE Incubator 2020) share the vision of carbon neutral and circular concrete production - the companies move one step closer towards this goal by engaging in a joint material test program.
Benefits for later-stage startups
Showcase your CE-enabling technologies and solutions
Connect and collaborate with established organizations
Participate in PoCs/pilot projects and commercial deals
Accelerate company development and enter the market faster
Access to an impact-focused investor network
We need more technicians, entrepreneurs, managers and people who are actively engaged in making the Circular Economy everyday business.
How can I participate?
The 2021 edition of Kickstart Innovation is currently running. Check out the website to learn more about the program, upcoming events, and the next Call for Startups in 2022.