Is turning waste into a resource at the centre of your business model?
If so, this is your chance to take your sustainable business idea to the next level. The Green Alley Award 2019 is inviting startups to showcase their technology, service or product for the circular economy. Apply by June 25th 2019 for the chance to win €25,000, plus a crowdfunding opportunity and valuable business contacts. Startups can submit their application for the Green Alley Award 2019 online here.
The Green Alley Award is the first European startup prize for the circular economy. The Award targets European startups and young entrepreneurs who have developed a business model in the areas of digital circular economy, recycling and waste prevention. The award sponsors are looking for startups that are about to launch their products or services or are already in the growth phase, as well as startups who want to expand into other European markets. The sole condition is that the business idea must help reduce waste, turn waste into resources or offer a digital circular economy solution.
The Process – from application to the finals
- Startups are invited to submit their application by 25 June 2019.
- In early September, six finalists will be selected to take part in the Green Alley Award finals.
- The finalists will be invited to Berlin on 17 October 2019, where they will work on their business models with circular economy practitioners and startup experts during individual mentoring talks.
- The finalists will give a five minute pitch on stage to present their business ideas to an expert jury and international audience. The jury is made up of experienced leaders from Landbell Group as well as external experts including Alexis Figeac, originator of the EU project R2Pi on circular economy business models, and Elena Dieckmann, co-founder and director of the startup Aeropowder which won the 2018 Green Alley Award.
Benefits at a glance
- €25,000 prize money to take your business to the next level
- Feedback from high-ranking circular economy experts and start-up mentors
- Networking opportunities and new business contacts
- Option for a crowdfunding campaign with Seedmatch or partner platforms
- Pitch to potential investors and media at the Green Alley Award finals
Following a live pitch, the jury will choose the winner at an all-day event in October. Finalists will also have the chance to win the Seedmatch Crowd Award, including a one-day workshop on raising money via online platforms, and the option to create an individual crowdfunding campaign.
The Winners – a wide range of concepts
Whether it is the development of sustainable materials, ideas for waste reduction or helpful digital tools, the circular economy holds enormous business potential for startups. The diversity of concepts from Green Alley Award winners over the past five years clearly shows this. Last year, UK startup Aeropowder won the award with their unique idea for insulating material for packaging made from waste feathers. In 2017, the Finnish startup Sulapac presented a wooden, biodegradable alternative to plastic packaging. And the first winner of the Green Alley Award in 2014, Finnish startup Repack, provides a reusable packaging service for online retailers to reduce packaging waste.
“We want to encourage new ideas and approaches to saving resources and reducing waste,” said Jan Patrick Schulz, CEO of Landbell Group. “There are so many good ideas around. Our aim is to foster and promote young businesses and connect them to a network of circular economy experts across Europe.”
For more information, you can visit the Green Alley Award newsroom, and don’t forget to apply by 25 June 2019!
