About the Programme
The Circular Venture Accelerator is designed and delivered by Irish Manufacturing Research and funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment as part of CIRCULÉIRE - Ireland's first cross-sectoral industry-led innovation network established in 2020.
Built specifically for late-stage start-ups and scaling innovators, the Circular Venture Accelerator 2026 is a high-impact, industry-embedded programme that helps ambitious circular ventures prepare for commercial scaling, enterprise adoption, and investment readiness.
Ventures accepted to this six-month programme will work closely with leading circularity experts, Irish Manufacturing Research specialists, and experienced industry members. They will strengthen their business model, accelerate product and technology development, adopt circular metrics, anticipate and align with policy shifts, and become investment and partnership-ready.
Designed for late-stage circular ventures to sharpen strategy, scale operations, prove economics, and prepare for partnerships or funding rounds.
Deep Industry Integration provides access to the largest circular economy industry network in Ireland and the Industry Members Advisory Group (IMAG).
Commercial scaling at its core, enabling ventures to quantify metrics that matter and turn compliance into a competitive advantage.
Expert-led thematic modules on commercial positioning, enterprise growth, circular business models, regulatory alignment, impact metrics, storytelling, and pitching.
Two immersive, residential bootcamps focused on strategy, execution, and investor preparation.
One-to-one mentoring and peer-to-peer sessions, events and forums.
What Ventures Can Expect
Ventures will experience a targeted, industry-embedded scale-up journey designed to accelerate commercial growth, strengthen strategic clarity, and build investor readiness.
Benefits include:
€ 5,000 Equity-Free Funding.
Free CIRCULÉIRE Membership for 2026, unlocking ecosystem access, networking, and wide-ranging circularity resources and supports.
Direct industry engagement through IMAG's real-world insights, validation, and collaboration opportunities.
Access to IMR’s prototyping, testing, and technology development facilities to support product and manufacturing advancement.
Hands on funding support, including RD&I pathways, grant identification, and funding readiness preparation.
