Circular X Challenge

Circular X Challenge

Pitch your innovation and win a free booth at the Circular Valley Convention

Are you an innovative startup in the field of circular economy? The Office of Economic Development Düsseldorf invites you to take part in the Circular X Challenge!

Take your chance to win a free booth at the Circular Valley Convention on 11–12 March 2026 in Düsseldorf.

As part of our Circular X Challenge, you will compete with other innovative startups and pitch your product or service online to a jury of experts. Enter the race with your pioneering business idea for a spot in the Startup Area of the convention.

This sounds like the right next step for your circular vision? Simply fill out the questionnaire below by 23 November 2025 to participate in the challenge!

We are happy to receive your application if your startup…

• offers an innovative product/service in the area of circular economy
• is not registered in Germany
• has approximately 1–20 employees
• is not older than 10 years

Preliminary Timeline

• September – 23 November 2025 | Application Period
• End of November 2025 | Announcement of the pitching startups
• 3 December 2025 | Online Pitching Competition, Announcement of Winners
• 11–12 March 2026 | Circular Valley Convention in Düsseldorf      

Learn more about the Circular Valley Convention and discover opportunities in Düsseldorf

Are you looking to break into the German market? Do you want to learn more about the Rhine-Ruhr region and build a robust local network?

Then the Circular Valley Convention at Areal Böhler in Düsseldorf on 11-12 March 2026 is your place to be!

Organized by Messe Düsseldorf in cooperation with the Circular Valley Foundation and supported by Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology (UMSICHT), the Circular Valley Convention draws on an extensive network and is set to become a benchmark event for the circular economy in Germany.

This convention will bring together key players and top decision-makers from all areas of the circular economy. Located in the heart of the dynamic Rhine-Ruhr region, it provides an ideal platform to connect with established local companies and explore the region's structural and innovative strengths.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet potential partners, customers, and investors, showcase ideas, and gain insights at an international expo accompanied by conferences and events.

Join the Circular Valley Convention and take your startup to the next level! We look forward to your applications.

Last but not least…

Last but not least…

All participants of the Circular Valley Convention will benefit from media related visibility thanks to Messe Düsseldorf's PR activities and have the opportunity to pitch on the startup stage of the convention.

The booth is paid by the Office of Economic Development Düsseldorf. However, a cancelation fee will be charged for no-shows. Travel expenses and accommodation are borne by participants. If you wish to receive recommendations or advice, feel free to contact us.

Below you can find interesting websites, which will give you an impression of the opportunities Düsseldorf has to offer.