From TheCircularLab, the open innovation laboratory in circular economy of Ecoembes, we are launching the first edition of the Open Call for Waste Management Startups, an international competition that seeks to connect startups with the main organisations in the waste management and circular economy sector.
The initiative highlights new solutions from companies to optimise waste management in cities, as well as innovative measures to improve operational efficiency in waste sorting plants. The programme is carried out in collaboration with the Foro de las Ciudades de Madrid IFEMA 2026, an event focused on the circular future of cities as more sustainable spaces, where the finalist startups will present their projects in June.
This pioneering initiative is looking for startups with innovative technological solutions to connect them with two major recycling challenges:
- Urban waste management: this encompasses all company initiatives to improve waste collection from the moment citizens generate it until it reaches sorting plants, encouraging citizen participation, digitalisation, route optimisation and traceability. Proposals with new forms of selective collection, tools applicable to the storage and containerisation process, or solutions that improve waste transport and logistics will be valued.
- Operational efficiency of sorting plants: this focuses on improving operational efficiency in sorting plants, promoting the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain or the Internet of Things (IoT) to digitalise processes, optimise material separation and classification, and reinforce the traceability of bales.
With this new circularity innovation programme we want to open up a new space of opportunity for startups that are transforming waste management with technology, talent and vision for the future. At TheCircularLab we firmly believe that collaboration between entrepreneurs, companies and public authorities is key to moving towards a truly circular model.
The eight finalist startups will present their projects at the final Pitch & Networking event, which will take place within the framework of the Foro de las Ciudades de Madrid IFEMA 2026, from 9 to 11 June at IFEMA Madrid, held simultaneously with TECMA and SRR. This meeting will bring together more than 200 speakers, 50 national and international cities and hundreds of professionals from the public and private spheres, becoming a unique showcase to highlight the most innovative technological solutions in terms of circular economy, among other urban aspects.
In addition, the winning startups of each challenge will receive a cash prize of €2,000 and the opportunity to develop a real proof of concept together with Ecoembes and leading organisations in the sector, validating their technology in a real environment and accelerating their growth.
All information about the programme is available on the website through this link: https://opencall.thecircularlab.com/en/home/
On 6 November we will hold an informative webinar to provide further details and resolve any questions about the call – we look forward to seeing you there! Register for the webinar via this link.
Registration is open until 31 January 2026 by completing this form completely free of charge.
