The Circular ClimAccelerator Philippines is a program to accelerate the adoption of circular economy and resource efficiency in the Philippines.
We are looking to support impactful startups that are committed to adopting circular economy principles and reducing waste and emissions.
This 6-month program seeks to identify, support, and scale startups developing solutions to transition from a linear to a circular economy, addressing critical sustainability challenges and fostering economic growth through resource efficiency and waste reduction.
Circular ClimAccelerator Philippines is designed and implemented by Villgro Philippines in collaboration with EIT Climate-KIC.
As a gender-smart program, we aim to support innovative local models that bolster circularity, while actively including women, girls, and/or minority groups within their value chains as catalysts in climate action.
Why Circular Economy Now
The Philippines is the country most at risk from climate disaster.
*Acccording to the 2022 and 2023 World Risk Reports published by Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft
The Philippines has experienced robust economic growth in recent years, driven by strong household consumption, the services sector, and a recovery in global trade. However, this economic progress has consequently increased production, distribution, and waste generation, contributing to environmental degradation and climate change.
The circular economy is an emerging key driver of sustainable development. By extending product lifecycles and creating added value, it reduces waste and reliance on raw materials, fosters innovation, and promotes sustainable solutions. According to the UN Environment Program, circular economies could generate an estimated USD 4.5 trillion in annual economic output by 2030.
Our vision for the Circular ClimAccelerator extends beyond capacity building to create a society where diverse voices actively contribute to climate action, resulting in a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for the Philippines.
The circular economy is “a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible.”
Objectives
Circular ClimAccelerator Philippines seeks to:
- Identify and support up to 10 high-potential circular economy startups with market-based models that directly address climate challenges in the Philippines, emphasizing gender equality and empowerment while maximizing positive climate impact.
- Enable and support sustainable livelihoods for women and underserved local communities, promoting environmentally sustainable business practices, economic empowerment, and social inclusion.
Meet the cohort
Clean Earth Project
Bulacan Province
Bringing high-performance, eco-friendly cleaning products to the Philippines
Project Nova
Bohol Province
Upcycling durable kayak materials into handcrafted goods while sustaining livelihoods
Program benefits
Tailored Capacity Building
A customized program designed to empower startups by enhancing their skills and knowledge in key areas of business, finance, climate and social impact, and gender assessment through deep-dive learning sessions and coaching.
Peer Learning and Coaching
Startups will engage in peer learning within their cohort and coaching sessions, sharing experiences, insights, and best practices.
Business and Sector Mentoring
Access to one-on-one mentoring by business and domain experts to support lean experimentation and business model validation and growth.
Follow-on Funding Opportunities
Startups that are ready and have investment potential will have the opportunity to get matched and connect with Villgro Philippines’ partner investors and get access to EIT Climate-KIC’s Investor Marketplace and to other investment opportunities.
Access to Global and Regional Networks
Strong network of accelerators, startups, and partner organizations; Access to EIT Climate-KIC and partner networks of investors, startups, alumni and partners.
Climate Impact Hypothesis and Forecasing
Access to a webinar delivered by Impact Forecast designed to equip startups with the skills and tools to conduct a preliminary assessment of the potential climate impact of their innovative solutions.
Media Visibility
Maximize visibility through EIT Climate-KIC’s and Villgro Philippines’ global and regional networks and communication channels.
Exclusive EIT Climate-KIC perks and discounts
Access to EIT Climate-KIC’s diverse benefits for startups through its broad network and partnerships.
Program Timeline
Application
Deadline
January 19, 2025
(11:59 PM PHT)
Screening
and Selection
January 2025
to February 2025
Accelerator
Program
February 2025
to August 2025
Stage 1: Build
Mentorship
Stage 2: Grow
Self-paced Curriculum
& Lean Experiments
Stage 3: Scale
Investment Readiness
August 2025
Impact Showcase
About Villgro Philippines
Villgro Philippines is a gender-smart incubator that funds, mentors, and nurtures enterprises addressing the most pressing social and climate issues. Over the last 5 years, Villgro Philippines has supported more than 120 enterprises across climate, health, education, agriculture, affordable housing, and women and girls in South and Southeast Asia. Villgro Philippines established the Nüshu Network (formerly WE Rise Community) in partnership with UN Women in 2021 to connect women entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, and resources. In collaboration with xchange and USAID, Villgro launched the Impact Pioneers Network, providing early-stage impact entrepreneurs access to debt and equity investments. Their gender-focused initiatives have earned numerous awards, including recognition as a Youth Gender Champion in 2020 and a Gender Responsive Marketplace for SMEs in 2021 by the UN Women Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards. Villgro Philippines is certified under the GLIA standards by ygap and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.
About ClimAccelerator
ClimAccelerator is a global program for start-ups to innovate, catalyse, and scale the potential of climate solutions. It brings together a diverse, global, connective community with a strong knowledge base and support system for sourcing, selecting, and training entrepreneurs on their journey.
ClimAccelerator is powered by EIT Climate-KIC, Europe’s leading climate innovation agency working to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon and resilient world.