Is Tech Tour Circular the springboard you've been waiting for?
For the second year in a row, Tech Tour Circular will take place in our Technology Capital.
This program accelerates growth and innovation in the circular economy, thanks to support in financing and partnerships. The highlight is a live event on April 23 and 24 where 40 promising companies will present their revolutionary ideas to top investors and industry leaders. Maybe they're looking for your idea! You can find more information and registration here.
Still not convinced? You've come to the right page. We've asked Chiara Guidi from B-COS and Emile Redant from Zymofix, two alumni from last year, a few questions.
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Almost like a bond you build with a colleague, it's important to see if a particular fund fits your team, idea, timeline, and sector. This applies in both directions.
What can you expect from the event?
The previous edition of Tech Tour Circular attracted investors with impressive expertise and a combined portfolio of more than €100 billion in prior investments. This program offers you excellent opportunities for financing and valuable connections.
You can register for free to pitch, and a selection panel will review your application. To be selected, you must be active in the following tech domains:
- Alternative food systems and circular agriculture
- Biomanufacturing and circular building materials
- Biorefining and biomolecules
- Circular plastics and bio-based polymers
- Water reuse and resource recovery
After the success of the first edition, with more than 240 participants, you'll have unparalleled networking opportunities this time. You can participate in interactive sessions with leading experts and directly access potential interesting financing partners. Additionally, there will be inspiring keynote speeches and engaging panel discussions.
How did last year’s alums experience this event?
Chiara Guidi from B-COS took home a whole backpack of advice. This yet-to-be-established spin-off from Ghent University offers COS products that can drastically reduce the use of hazardous chemical pesticides in the long term. COS molecules are natural products that strengthen the plant’s immune system sustainably and affordably.
Chiara mainly used this event to make valuable contacts, even before the establishment. “Today, we're still in talks with some investors we met there,” says Chiara. “Almost like a bond you build with a colleague, it's important to see if a particular fund fits your team, idea, timeline, and sector. This applies in both directions. Now that we are in the final stretch towards the establishment, we are convinced these contacts will help us now and in the future.”
Emile Redant was also present to represent Zymofix (formerly N-Fix). This start-up ferments biomass waste to increase the production of valuable microorganisms for agricultural and technical applications.
The company has since raised €2 million, thanks to an investment from the German High-Tech Gründerfonds, which was also involved in selecting the start-ups allowed to pitch at this event last year. Emile also seized the opportunity to expand his network. “Tech Tour Circular is a meeting place for everyone who shares the same passion for sustainability,” he says. “Here, you can not only make valuable connections but also gain inspiration and collaborate on groundbreaking projects that can make a difference. The atmosphere is very dynamic: you really feel a collective motivation to take the circular economy to the next level.”
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Here, you can not only make valuable connections but also gain inspiration and collaborate on groundbreaking projects that can make a difference. The atmosphere is very dynamic: you really feel a collective motivation to take the circular economy to the next level.
How to make the most of it?
“What I find so special about this event,” says Chiara, “is that it not only brings together the most relevant investors but also other interesting parties within the circular value chain—experts with knowledge of scaling up, obtaining subsidies, and building strategic partnerships. In two days, you can significantly expand your network.
I advise start-ups who want to register for this: Do your homework for April 23 and 24! What are the investment areas of the fund in question? Which portfolio companies do they have? Who do you want to meet from the fund, and what is their background? But also: does the fund fit within your timeline (seed funding, series A/B/C)?”
Emile especially recommends the networking dinner. “These informal interactions often lead to the most valuable connections and insights. In a relaxed atmosphere, you can talk to other participants, speakers, and experts during dinner. This could even lead to new, unexpected collaborations.
To entrepreneurs who have never pitched, I recommend the online training sessions this year on March 19 and 20. You can practice your pitch in a supportive environment and get feedback to sharpen your presentation skills. Moreover, you learn from the experiences and approaches of other participants, which can inspire you and provide new insights. Seeing how they tell their story and what techniques they use can give you a lot of information. Especially if you supplement that with feedback from the experts. You can then refine your own pitch and prepare for the real thing.”
Tech Tour Circular 2025 is organised by the City of Ghent and Ghent University, in collaboration with the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) and partners such as North Sea Port, PMV, Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, and VITO4STARTERS.
Ready to convince investors?
Join the Tech Tour Circular 2025 Program, designed for companies to accelerate growth, attract investments, and build strategic partnerships. Applications are free, and every submission is reviewed by a Selection Panel of active investors. Even if you are not selected, your application will still gain exposure to these investors, providing an opportunity to make a strong impression and open doors for future connections.
Register hereLast changed : 28 January 2025