Does your startup offer solutions that improve waste management?
Join the initiative
The international competition that connects the most innovative Startups with leading organisations in the circular economy.
From Ecoembes & TheCircularLab
We empower Startups with disruptive solutions for urban waste management.
Submit your application explaining how your company helps address any of the following
CHALLENGES
CHALLENGE 1
New solutions to optimise
waste management in cities
Innovative solutions applicable from the moment citizens generate waste to its arrival at the sorting plant, promoting citizen participation, container digitalisation, route optimisation, and traceability in collection processes.
Possible areas:
• New proposals for selective waste collection (door-to-door, PAYT Pay-As-You-Throw, etc.)
• New technologies or tools applicable to the storage and containerisation process.
• New solutions to optimise waste collection and transport processes.
CHALLENGE 2
New solutions to improve operational
efficiency in waste sorting plants
Innovative technological solutions applicable from the moment waste arrives at the sorting plant until it is classified, optimising the operation of recycling plants (connectivity, digital twin, dashboards, etc.) and their separation, classification, and characterisation processes.
Possible areas:
• Digitalisation of the sorting plant’s operation through AI, blockchain, or IoT tools.
• Technologies to improve the efficiency and quality of waste separation.
• New solutions for bale labelling and traceability.
If you send us your application, your Startup may obtain the following
BENEFITS
- Networking with key organizations: direct connections with companies, public administrations, and circular economy experts.
- Proof of concept projects: opportunity to run pilot projects with Ecoembes and sector organisations.
- Monetary prize: €2,000 for the winner of each challenge.
- International visibility: media recognition and direct entry into the goCircular Radar community.
Moreover, finalists will be invited to pitch at the final event of this Open Call, held at the Foro de las Ciudades 2026
But before, make sure that you company meets the following
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Legally established companies (commercial or social economy) with less than 10 years of existence (incorporated after October 15, 2015).
- Not more than 50% owned by a non‑SME.
- In compliance with legal, labour, and tax obligations.
To access these benefits, you will have to go through the following
PHASES
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
BECOME A FINALIST
DEFEND YOUR PROJECT
PROOF-OF-CONCEPT PROJECT
El Foro de las Ciudades 2026
If you are one of the finalist Startups, you will participate in a high-profile final event.
The 8 finalist Startups will present their projects at the Final Pitch & Networking Event, to be held within the framework of the Foro de las Ciudades, from June 9 to 11, 2026, at IFEMA Madrid.
The Foro de las Ciudades has established itself as a leading platform in Spain for discussing sustainability, urban innovation, and the management of greener cities. It brings together more than 200 speakers, 50 cities, and hundreds of professionals from both the public and private sectors.
The 2026 edition will be the perfect showcase to highlight the finalist Startups of the Open Call and their solutions before companies, public administrations, and key institutions driving the transition toward sustainable cities.
REGISTRATION CLOSED
The call closed on 31 January 2026
We have already evaluated the 160 proposals received from more than 50 countries.
Thank you very much for your participation.
THE 8 FINALIST STARTUPS
CHALLENGE 1
NEW SOLUTIONS TO OPTIMIZE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN CITIES
CHALLENGE 2
NEW SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY IN WASTE SORTING PLANTS
WINNERS 2026
CHALLENGE 1
New solutions to optimize waste
management in cities
Spain
Speaker at the Final Event: Santiago Colomo
CHALLENGE 2
new solutions to improve operational efficiency in waste sorting plants
Spain
Speaker at the Final Event: Laura Rodríguez
FINAL EVENT 2026 OPEN CALL
HOW WERE THE WINNING STARTUPS CHOSEN?
The 8 finalist startups of the Open Call for Waste Management Startups will competed in the final event by presenting an elevator pitch of their innovative solutions to the audience of Foro de las Ciudades.
The expert jury selected the winning startup of each challenge.
WHAT DID THE FINAL EVENT CONSIST OF?
It was held on June 10, 2026, at 4:00 PM, as part of the Foro de las Ciudades 2026, within IFEMA (Madrid).
The event lasted 2 hours, to which we also invited experts from the sector, public administration and other startups.
If you want to learn more about us, you can visit
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