Dates:
February to June 2025
Content:
Masterclasses & Workshops + coaching
Price: 100 CHF application fee for those selected
Location: Impact Hub Lausanne
In Romandy we want to make sure that everyone is able to live a healthy life in a city where society acts in consideration of the natural resources of our planet. This can be done through the circular economy where we produce and consume intelligently.
Do you have an idea on how to make your city a better place to live in?
The Circular Economy (CE) Incubator enables teams and startups to develop new solutions and to create a positive impact in Switzerland. During the 3.5 month program, the selected entrepreneurs work on developing their minimum viable product (MVP) and validating their business model, with the support from advisors, experts and our network of impact investors.
What is Circular Economy?
Circular economy Transition (CET) is a model of production and consumption that moves away from the linear model of creating waste and pollution. The circular model is designed to keep existing materials and products as long as possible throughout the value chain. It involves consideration in the usage of materials, design, energy efficiency & energy renewability, durability, maintenance & repairability and social equity. CET reduces dependencies and risks in global supply chains, it promotes regional value creation leading to an economy that is more sustainable and resilient.
Why join the programme?
Community & Space
Connect with corporates, public institutions, entrepreneurs, creatives and techies while working from an inspiring space (aka Impact Hub) in the heart of your city.
Startup Support
Have 1 : 1 mentoring sessions and join workshops delivered by experienced experts in business & circular economy related topics, to help you fine-tune your MVP and business model.
Events & Connections
Make meaningful connections and exchange best practices with peer entrepreneurs and circular economy experts at several events taking place across Switzerland.
Swiss-wide Visibility
Benefit from local and Swiss-wide exposure throughout the program, conferences, pitching days, as well as mentions on the press, newsletters and social medias.
The transition to a more circular economy could result in the net creation of around 700,000 jobs in Europe by 2030, thanks to the additional demand for labour from recycling plants, repair services and other circular activities.
Source: Disruptors: comment les start-ups circulaires peuvent accélérer la transition vers l'économie circulaire, 2019
Our Impact
130+
Entrepreneurial ideas accelerated
70%
Startups launch MVP & go-to market
75%
Startups still active after
2 years
4Mio
Capital raised or revenues by alumni
Meet our Alumni
The CE incubator selects early-stage startups with ideas that drive the transition to a circular economy in Switzerland. We have supported over 130 incubator startups finding solutions of circularity in food & farming, sharing & platform, fashion & consumer goods and industry & procurement.
Our Startups 2024
Alien Limited recycles Quagga mussels, an invasive species, into low-carbon cement and ecological paving stones that reduce urban heat islands and limit water run-off, helping to protect the ecosystem.
WasteFlow offers an affordable solution that increases recycling efficiency in facilities through AI. This technology identifies the type and mass of waste, optimizing the recycling process.
MediWaste enables Swiss hospitals to recycle medical waste instead of incinerating it, reducing volume by 80%. The waste is transformed into briquettes for efficient transport, and supercritical CO2 cleaning allows closed-loop recycling into new medical materials.
The NoOPS association aims to raise citizens' awareness of issues related to planned obsolescence, notably by setting up a system for collecting and recycling electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets.
Testimonials
The CE Incubator and our mentor had a crucial impact on our business: they pushed us to identify & design the main levers for a self-sustained business model. We were introduced to the sustainability community which led to helpful visibility and first media coverage.
- Anne Voigt, Co-Founder of Miniloop
Our Team
Amanda Byrde
National CET Coordinator, Impact Hub Geneva
Felix Stähli
National CET Coordinator, Impact Hub Lausanne
Bertrand Hubert
Local CET Coordinator, Impact Hub Geneva & Lausanne
Caryl Dubuis
Local CET Coordinator, Impact Hub Geneva & Lausanne
Michelle Studer
Local CET coordinator, Impact Hub Bern
Heron Mochny
Local CET coordinator, Impact Hub Basel
Lara Mogge
Local CET coordinator, Impact Hub Zürich
Tommaso Tabet
Local CET coordinator, Impact Hub Ticino
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is the programme for?The programme is for Early-stage startups (individuals or teams) focused on Circular Economy principles. All projects with a swiss-based impact are eligible, including those from startups based abroad.
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Where does the programme take place?The programme takes place both online and in the local hubs. While the programme is communicated online, the selected incubees can work independently in the impact hubs of their choice, Bern, Basel, Ticino, Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne. This gives them the opportunity to network with the community and other entrepreneurs. Visit www.cetransition.ch to know more.
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What language does the programme use?The programme is primarily in English. However, depending on the needs of certain participants, the language can be adapted.
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Are there costs associated with program participation?The CE Incubator has a zero equity and fees policy. This means you will not be charged anything for your participation in the incubator and the idea you develop stays entirely yours.
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I still have my day job. Can I join even if I cannot commit full time?Yes, of course. We only ask teams to join for 1-2 mandatory online meetings per week, i.e., every Tuesdays from 12:30 to 2pm (and bi-weekly every other Tuesday from 5pm- 6pm for the Peer-exchange sessions.
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Is there a limit in the number of team members?No, there is no limit for team members.
Our Partners
Initiated & Led by
Local Partner
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