The Sustainable Materials Challenge 2026 is a call launched by MassChallenge to identify startups and scaleups offering innovative solutions in the field of sustainable materials. The aim is to connect these projects with leading international corporations interested in exploring collaborations, pilots or investments in new materials and circularity technologies.
Specific areas of interest include:
- New sustainable and bio-based materials
- Circular packaging solutions
- Advanced recycling and separation technologies
- Sidestream valorisation of industrial by-products
- Functional and high-performance materials
Key dates:
- Application deadline: 17 November 2025, 23:59 CET
- Information webinar: 7 November 2025, 16:00 CET
- Final event: June 2026 in Switzerland, where selected start-ups will present their solutions alongside their corporate partners.
- Selected startups will receive CHF 1,000 to cover travel expenses to the final event.
Main requirements:
- Solution at prototype stage or proof of concept (TRL ≥ 5).
- Strategic fit with one of the partner corporations.
- Development stage between seed and Series C+.
- Proposals must demonstrate impact, viability and scalability.
- Open to start-ups from any geography, with the ability to collaborate in Europe and travel if required.
For more info and registrations, please visit the official website.