The two-day Circular Valley Convention 2026 in Düsseldorf is intended to combine the perspectives of politics, business, science and the start-up ecosystem around concrete solutions for the circular economy. The focus will be on how the circular model can be transformed into a practical industrial and location strategy that strengthens the resilience of supply chains and reduces economies' dependence on volatile raw material markets. The programme includes sessions on the main stage, an innovation stage, an accelerator demo day and masterclasses, as well as an exhibition area with more than 100 companies and institutions presenting practical solutions.
The event will take place on 11 and 12 March 2026 at Areal Böhler in Düsseldorf. The organisers announce international participation from public authorities, industry, research institutions and young technology companies. The programme has been built around key "R" strategies of the circular economy, covering both product and business model design and issues of recycling, digitalisation and the use of artificial intelligence.
Main stage: circular economy as an industrial and location issue
Leading representatives from politics, business and the research sector will appear on the main stage of the Circular Valley Convention 2026. Discussions will focus on the role of the circular economy in shaping competitiveness, raw material security and the resilience of global supply chains. The programme includes keynotes and panels on topics such as sustainable product design, circular construction, digitalisation and artificial intelligence, recycling strategies and extending product life cycles.
Keynotes are planned by federal and state ministers, as well as representatives from renowned research institutes and international industrial corporations. Thematic panels, such as discussions on cross-border cooperation, the "Uniting Industries" session and the panel "Germany as an Industrial Power?", are intended to link the perspective of regulatory frameworks from a policy standpoint with implementation aspects on the industry side. Participants will include representatives from the chemical sector, consumer goods industry, mechanical engineering and logistics.
Thematic blocks along R strategies and accelerator Demo Day
One important part of the programme will be the Demo Day for the tenth edition of the Circular Economy Accelerator. International start-ups will present the latest solutions developed in Circular Valley's tenth funding round, including digital traceability, new materials and recycling processes supported by artificial intelligence.
The programme structure is based on thematic blocks organised around the key R strategies, from "Refuse, Rethink, Redesign, Reduce" through "Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose" to "Recycle and Recover". Within these blocks, the discussions will address how the circular economy can become a strategic resource for industry and society under tightening regulatory requirements and increasing geopolitical uncertainty.
Innovation stage: start-ups, digitalisation and new business models
Running in parallel to the main stage, the Innovation Stage will focus on young internationally active companies, applied research and new cooperation models. The programme includes numerous start-up pitches, including companies from the Circular Valley alumni network, as well as lectures and panels on topics such as circular design, the digital product passport, municipal perspectives on the circular economy and digital green tech solutions.
Sessions led by research institutions, networks and funding programmes are intended to demonstrate how digitalisation is becoming a key enabler of circular value creation at both company and system levels. The agenda includes practical application examples and discussions on how to scale such solutions.
Masterclasses: in-depth knowledge and practical case studies
The stage programme will be supplemented by masterclasses designed to give participants the opportunity to work in smaller groups. Experts will discuss specific applications such as chemical recycling, the use of artificial intelligence in the plastics sector, the Carbon2Chem project, sustainable chemistry and concepts of the economy for the common good. The masterclasses are aimed at specialists from industry, start-ups, academia and the public sector, and are designed to support both in-depth knowledge exchange and networking.
An integral part of the event will also be Circular Night, which will close the first day of the convention. This element of the programme is intended to combine networking, the presentation of international perspectives and inspiring contributions. With its multi-stage programme structure, the Circular Valley Convention 2026 positions itself as a platform for individuals and organisations that want to discuss and implement the circular economy as a driver of innovation, an industrial policy instrument and a response to global resource challenges.
In 2026, there will once again be presentations and panel discussions on stage. Photo: Jan Turek/Circular Valley
