Ecoembes Innovation Challenge 2026 For Waste Management Startups( €2,000 prize)

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Applications are open for Ecoembes Innovation Challenge 2026. The Circular Lab, has launched the Open Call for Waste Management Startups 2026 — an international innovation challenge designed to identify, support, and accelerate breakthrough ideas that can transform how cities manage waste.

The programme seeks African, European, Asian, American, and global innovators offering solutions that can improve urban waste processes or enhance operational efficiency in waste-sorting plants. Finalists will pitch live in Madrid and gain direct exposure to partners driving the circular economy worldwide.

Urban waste remains one of the fastest-growing environmental challenges globally, especially across Africa’s rapidly growing cities.

The Open Call provides African waste-tech founders with access to:

European markets
High-level networks in sustainability
Pilot project opportunities
Visibility within the global circular economy ecosystem

This programme offers not just recognition, but real pathways to scale.

CHALLENGES

Ecoembes is calling for startups addressing two core challenge areas:

1.Optimising Urban Waste Management

Solutions that improve waste processes from end-to-end, including:

Citizen waste generation
Smart collection
Containerisation
Transport optimisation
Digital traceability

2. Enhancing Efficiency in Waste-Sorting Plants

Innovations focused on:

Waste reception
Classification and segregation
Automation
Digitalisation
Operational traceability

Startups can apply to either challenge.

Ecoembes Innovation Challenge Benefits

Participants and finalists will gain:

€2,000 prize for the winner of each challenge area
Potential pilot or proof-of-concept projects with Ecoembes and industry partners
Networking opportunities with global waste-management leaders and public institutions
International media recognition and visibility
Entry into the goCircular Radar community
Pitching opportunity at the Foro de las Ciudades 2026 in Madrid (June 9–11, 2026)

This exposure can significantly accelerate market expansion for African startups.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, startups must:

Be a legally established company (commercial or social enterprise)
Have been incorporated after 15 October 2015 (under 10 years old)
Not have more than 50% ownership by a non-SME.
Be compliant with tax, labour, and regulatory laws.

How To Apply for Ecoembes Innovation Challenge

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
- Complete the online form and tell us how your solution addresses the challenges. APPLY NOW
BECOME A FINALIST
- Our committee evaluates all proposals and selects the finalist Startups.
DEFEND YOUR PROJECT
- If you are a finalist, you’ll pitch your project at the final event in Foro de las Ciudades.
PROOF-OF-CONCEPT PROJECT
- Ecoembes may select your Startup to co‑develop a project in a real environment.

Click Here for more details

Application Deadline: January 31, 2026