Innovation is circular economy

Circular Valley is the Silicon Valley of the circular economy. The non-profit Circular Valley Foundation is developing the greater Rhine-Ruhr region into the global center of the circular economy. To this end, it brings together companies, startups, academia, policymakers, and society to develop concrete solutions for a truly circular economy.

A circular economy strengthens resource security and competitiveness while simultaneously making a significant contribution to resource conservation and waste reduction. The Circular Valley aims to achieve economic success while respecting planetary boundaries.

The Rhine-Ruhr region offers ideal conditions for this: More than 300 global market leaders, a unique scientific landscape, and numerous companies from the circular economy sector meet here in a highly international environment and with a high quality of life. At the same time, the region looks back on a long industrial tradition that continues to this day.

The Circular Valley Foundation launched the world's first Circular Economy Accelerator, which has already supported around 200 startups from approximately 50 countries across six continents. It connects stakeholders along existing value chains and creates spaces for collaboration between established companies, innovative startups, and research institutions. The Circular Valley network now comprises more than 150 partners from business, science, and society. In addition, the foundation develops policy recommendations and conducts public awareness campaigns on the circular economy. The foundation's work is complemented by thematic project groups, for example, on circular construction, as well as event formats such as the Circular Valley Convention, the Circular Valley Forum, and regular partner talks.

Circular Valley stands for economic resilience, independence and resource conservation, and develops concrete solutions, true to the motto: Grow the Economy – Protect the Environment.