Ecoembes, through its innovation hub The Circular Lab, has launched the Open Call for Waste Management Startups 2026. This international challenge seeks breakthrough waste-management solutions to improve urban processes and enhance operational efficiency in waste-sorting plants. The call is open to African, European, Asian, American, and global innovators. Startups incorporated after October 15, 2015, and meeting SME ownership rules are eligible. Benefits include a €2,000 prize for the winner of each challenge area, potential pilot projects with Ecoembes, and a crucial live pitch opportunity in Madrid at the Foro de las Ciudades 2026 (June 9–11, 2026), providing significant international market visibility. The application deadline is January 31, 2026.
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Open Call for Waste Management Startups 2026 Summary
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Institution/Host | Ecoembes / The Circular Lab |
| Country/Region | International (Africa, Europe, Asia, Americas, Global) |
| Degree Level | Startup Acceleration / Innovation Challenge |
| Target Audience | Startups focused on Waste Management Solutions |
| Coverage | Prize Money, Pilots, Global Networking, Madrid Pitch Event |
| Reward Value/Range | €2,000 Prize for the winner of each challenge area |
| No IELTS Required | Not Applicable |
| Deadline | January 31, 2026 |
Ecoembes Open Call 2026 Details
Ecoembes, via its specialist innovation center The Circular Lab, has opened its international Open Call for Waste Management Startups 2026. This initiative aims to discover and support globally scalable solutions that can fundamentally transform urban waste processes and operations in sorting facilities. For African waste-tech founders, this offers a unique route to access European markets, secure pilot project opportunities, and gain visibility in the global circular economy ecosystem.
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Ecoembes Open Call Benefits
Tier 1: Real-World Pilot Projects and Global Pitching
The most significant benefit of the Open Call is the pathway to real-world integration and high-level exposure:
- Potential Pilot or Proof-of-Concept Projects: Selected startups have the opportunity to implement pilot projects with Ecoembes and its industry partners in real operational environments, validating their technology and scaling their solution.
- Live Pitch Event in Madrid: Finalists are invited to pitch their innovations at the prestigious Foro de las Ciudades 2026 in Madrid (June 9–11, 2026), providing unparalleled exposure to public institutions and global waste-management leaders.
Tier 2: Financial Reward and High-Level Networks
Financial recognition and strategic networking reinforce the acceleration benefits:
- Financial Prize: A €2,000 prize will be awarded to the winner of each of the two core challenge areas, offering non-dilutive capital for development.
- Networking Opportunities: Participants gain direct access to global waste-management leaders, industry partners, and key public institutions, accelerating international business development.
Tier 3: Market Visibility and Community Access
The program provides tools and recognition essential for international expansion:
- International Media Recognition: The selected startups and finalists receive international media recognition and visibility, essential for building brand trust and market awareness.
- goCircular Radar Community: Entry into the goCircular Radar community connects the startup to a network of like-minded innovators and circular economy drivers.
Ecoembes Seeks Solutions in Two Core Challenge Areas
The competition is calling for innovations addressing two primary pain points in the waste management value chain:
1. Optimising Urban Waste Management Solutions focusing on improving the end-to-end waste process within cities, covering aspects such as:
- Citizen waste generation and behavior improvement.
- Smart collection and containerisation systems.
- Optimisation of transport logistics.
- Digital traceability throughout the urban process.
2. Enhancing Efficiency in Waste-Sorting Plants Innovations aimed at maximizing the effectiveness and output of recycling facilities, including:
- Improving waste reception processes.
- Advanced classification, segregation, and quality control.
- Automation and digitalisation of operational tasks.
- Operational traceability and data management within the plant.
Eligibility Requirements for the Open Call 2026
To qualify for the Open Call, startups must meet strict corporate and establishment criteria:
- Legal Status: Must be a legally established company (either a commercial or social enterprise).
- Age of Company: Must have been incorporated after 15 October 2015 (i.e., less than 10 years old).
- Ownership Structure: Must not have more than 50% ownership by a non-SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise).
- Compliance: Must be fully compliant with tax, labour, and regulatory laws in the country of registration.
How to Apply for the Open Call 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process is handled through the official online portal:
- Prepare Documentation: Ensure your company meets all eligibility criteria, including the age and ownership limits. Prepare a clear proposal addressing one of the two core challenge areas.
- Access Portal: Visit the official Ecoembes/The Circular Lab website to locate the specific online application portal for the 2026 Open Call.
- Submit Application: Complete the online form, detailing your innovative solution, its feasibility, and its potential market impact. Upload any necessary supporting materials.
- Await Selection: The selection committee will review applications based on innovation, feasibility, and market impact for shortlisting. Finalists will be contacted to prepare for the Live Pitch Event.
Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the deadline for submitting an application to the Open Call 2026?
The application deadline for the Open Call for Waste Management Startups 2026 is January 31, 2026.
2. What is the monetary prize for the winning startups?
The winner of each challenge area (Optimising Urban Waste Management and Enhancing Plant Efficiency) will receive a €2,000 prize.
3. What are the two main challenge areas Ecoembes is focusing on?
The two core challenge areas are Optimising Urban Waste Management (e.g., smart collection, transport) and Enhancing Efficiency in Waste-Sorting Plants (e.g., automation, classification).
4. Is the Open Call restricted to European or Spanish startups?
No, the Open Call is an international innovation challenge and welcomes applications from Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and all other global regions.
5. What is the age restriction for applying startups?
Startups must have been incorporated after 15 October 2015, meaning they must be less than 10 years old at the time of the Open Call.
6. Where and when does the Live Pitch Event take place?
The Live Pitch Event for the finalists will take place in Madrid during the Foro de las Ciudades 2026, scheduled for June 9–11, 2026.
7. What happens if a startup wins the challenge?
Winners receive the €2,000 prize and are considered for potential pilot or proof-of-concept projects with Ecoembes and its industry partners.
8. Is there a limitation on the ownership structure of the applying company?
Yes, the startup must not have more than 50% ownership by a non-SME to ensure it is an independent, growing enterprise.
9. Are only commercial companies eligible, or can social enterprises apply?
The Open Call welcomes applications from any legally established company, including both commercial enterprises and social enterprises.
10. What is the goCircular Radar community?
The goCircular Radar community is a network that selected participants gain entry into, providing them with visibility and connection within the global circular economy ecosystem.
