The EU Circular Economy Resource Centre (EU CERC) has launched applications for the 2026 Circular Business Awards, targeting enterprises in ODA-eligible countries that are advancing sustainable production and circular economy models.
The awards aim to recognize practical innovations that reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and promote sustainable business practices across developing regions.
The 2026 edition highlights two primary categories: the Electronics & ICT Business Award and the Young Woman Entrepreneur Award. Both are designed to incentivize solutions that integrate circular principles into business models, supporting entrepreneurs who turn sustainability challenges into scalable opportunities.
Experts note that these categories reflect the EU’s broader agenda to foster inclusive green innovation, particularly in regions where access to capital and technical expertise is limited.
Each award winner will receive a €10,000 support package, structured through a personalized capacity-building plan developed with the EU CERC Business Lab. This approach ensures that funding is coupled with targeted guidance over a 12-month period, helping enterprises strengthen operations, optimize resource use, and expand market reach.
By tying financial support to structured business development, EU CERC addresses a common bottleneck in circular economy adoption: the gap between innovative ideas and sustainable commercialization.
Beyond funding, the awards offer significant international exposure. Winners will present their projects on the main stage of the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026, an event that draws policymakers, investors, and industry leaders from around the globe.
