The new program supports and connects innovative startups in the field of reverse logistics. It makes a sustainable contribution to the development and strengthening of reverse logistics, a topic crucial to the circular economy.
The innovation platform startport is launching the Reverse Logistics Accelerator on behalf of Circular Valley. The aim is to specifically promote innovative startups in the areas of reverse logistics and circular economy. The program supports business models that contribute to the circular economy during implementation and strengthens networking with industry partners and potential investors.
Retrieving products, refurbishing them, and reusing them: Reverse logistics is a central component of the circular economy and is gaining increasing strategic importance for companies. The goal of the new accelerator program is to support startups in the further development and market launch of innovative, sustainable solutions in this area.
“With startport at the Port of Duisburg, we are pleased to have an excellent partner with extensive expertise in this field.”
The program provides assistance with questions regarding financing, sales, and communication, and helps build long-term collaborations between startups and established companies and investors.
“The goal of Circular Valley is to establish accelerator programs for as many circular focus topics as possible in the extended Rhine-Ruhr region,” says Dr. Carsten Gerhardt, Chairman of the non-profit Circular Valley Foundation. “Logistics is a central topic for a functioning circular economy. With startport at the Port of Duisburg, we are pleased to have an excellent partner with extensive expertise in this field.”
“Reverse logistics is a crucial lever for a functioning circular economy. With Circular Valley, we have a strong partner at our side to specifically promote innovations in this area,” says Johannes Franke, Managing Director of startport. “Together, with the Reverse Logistics Accelerator, we are creating a platform where startups can work hands-on with industry, logistics, and sustainability experts—right in the heart of the Rhine-Ruhr region.”
Tailored Support—Virtual and On-Site
The program combines virtual and on-site modules. Participants meet in person at a kick-off event, three intensive workshops, coaching sessions, networking with industry partners, and at the Circular Valley Forum on November 14, 2025. They also stay connected digitally through weekly status meetings, mentoring sessions, online workshops, and virtual networking.
Startups from Germany and neighboring countries can apply—with a focus on North Rhine-Westphalia. The young companies can be in the pre-seed to Series A stages. Relevant sectors include reverse logistics, circular economy in connection with logistics, sustainable logistics, innovative tracking and tracing technologies, and route optimization solutions. Applications can be submitted through the application portal at this link.
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About startport
startport GmbH is an innovation platform for logistics and supply chain management based in Duisburg. As a subsidiary of Duisburger Hafen AG—operator of Europe’s largest inland port—startport connects startups with industry, investors, and academia to advance forward-looking solutions in the logistics sector and achieve long-term positive effects for the entire region.
About Circular Valley
Circular Valley is the international hotspot for the circular economy, based in the extended Rhine-Ruhr region. The non-profit Circular Valley Foundation brings together the relevant stakeholders. Across industries and technologies, companies, startups, academia, and policymakers jointly develop solutions for the transformation to a true circular economy. Public relations, the world’s first Circular Economy Accelerator, and policy recommendations are the foundation’s key focus areas.