Investing in a circular future
To ensure that our planet remains habitable for future generations, we must actively focus our attention on the transition from a linear to a circular economy. Together, we can develop and adopt a system based around the smart use of resources and materials and the efficient reuse of residual waste streams in closed loops. A system in which we make optimal use of renewable energy sources. A system designed around value retention at every stage of the chain.
The core tenets of the transition towards a circular economy are Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover and Regenerate. These concepts often lie at the heart of the business models of circular startup and spinoff businesses. Likewise, the five main circular transition agendas of the national government are centered around these concepts: Biomass and Food, Plastics, Manufacturing Industry, Construction, and Consumer Goods.
Innovative technology plays a key role in the realization of our shared transition target. Via the theme of Circular Technology, we therefore support the development and application of promising technology that contributes to this goal. Promising initiatives receive support with e.g. the validation process and identifying market opportunities. Key technologies that fall within the scope of Circular Technology include:
- Optimal use and reuse of resources
- Value creation with residual waste streams
- Green energy
- Biobased chemical building blocks
- Protein transition
- Bio-cascading biomolecules
- Electrification
- Regenerative agriculture/circular greenhouses
- Climate-neutral construction
- Advanced materials
- New forms of consumption and production
How does it work?
The TTT program consists of two pillars: pillar 1 focuses on researchers that plan on spinning off a company, and pillar 2 focuses on recently founded spin-offs.
With our track record, we support researchers with helpful advice. We also offer financial support in the form of tickets (pillar 1). These can be used for Proof of Concept (PoC) and Business Development (BD) activities:
- PoC activities focus on the technical feasibility or improvement of a new technological innovation, service, or process. Think of e.g. creating demonstrations, making test batches, testing and preparing the knowledge for utilization.
- BD activities, meanwhile, are centered around the substantiation of the initial plans and ideas needed to build a viable company and successfully market the new technology/innovation. This includes the development of value propositions, business models, revenue models, contacts with the market/industry, making samples available for testing on the market, market research, initiatives to strengthen the intended team, etcetera.
For young spin-offs, we also offer initial financing, typically in the form of convertible loans intended to become investor-ready (pillar 2). This part of the TTT support is delivered by SHIFT Invest. In addition to capital, this professional VC fund provides hands-on support for the newly found spin-offs through their extensive knowledge, experience, and above all their networks in both the financial and industrial sector.
The TTT tickets and convertible loans are available to researchers and young spin-offs. The research or the business activities in question must fall within the scope of TTT’s themes, tie into one of the theme’s key technologies, and strive towards a suitable business model.
Interested?
If you’re interested in applying for a ticket, please contact the knowledge transfer office of your knowledge institution.
Discover the cases we support
