VLAIO launches call ‘Circular Accelerators 2026’
Are you interested in carrying out initiatives that facilitate the implementation and scaling up of circular solutions? Then the new VLAIO-call for circular accelerators may be of interest to you. The 2026 call has just been launched, and on June 4, VLAIO will kick off the application process with an online information session.
What are circular economy accelerators?
Flanders has a clear ambition to transition to a circular economy. After all, the way we handle raw materials, materials, and products has a significant impact on our prosperity and the climate. The Flemish Coalition Agreement 2024–2029 and the Policy Paper on Economy, Science, Innovation, and Industry confirm the circularity transition as a clear policy priority. In addition, the Flemish Energy and Climate Plan sets out concrete goals: by 2030, the material footprint must be reduced by 30% and greenhouse gas emissions by 40%.
These objectives are essential to future-proof the Flemish economy, with a particular focus on strategic independence in terms of technologies, sectors, and raw materials. New geopolitical developments reinforce this necessity. The guiding principle remains to better meet society’s needs, with maximum added value for well-being and the smallest possible ecological footprint.
Call for Circular Accelerators 2026
This call focuses on business-driven collaborations that tangibly accelerate the transition to a circular economy. In a circular accelerator, companies and other relevant actors within a value chain join forces to address a shared circular challenge. Together, they work on the implementation and scaling up of solutions that currently face systemic barriers such as legislation, standards, data, or collaboration models. The emphasis is on practical, applicable results with economic added value: lower raw material and material costs, new market opportunities, increased productivity, and growth for Flemish companies.
A circular accelerator is supported by a strong consortium of companies, supplemented by other relevant actors, and coordinated by a single organization with legal personality acting as the beneficiary. The supply chain-wide approach yields results that are widely applicable to multiple companies and organizations. The grant per project amounts to a maximum of €500,000 over 3 years. This covers 50% of eligible costs; 50% co-financing is required.
Important dates for those interested in participating:
- Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. | online information session
- Friday, June 26, 2026 | deadline for pre-registration
- Week of June 29, 2026 | pitches
- Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. | deadline for application submission
Source: VLAIO