CIRCULAR inNOVA(tion) 2.0 – Entrepreneurship and Open Innovation Programme
NOVA once again partners with Sociedade Ponto Verde® (SPV) to launch the second edition of CIRCULAR inNOVA(tion) — an Entrepreneurship and Open Innovation programme that promotes the development of innovative solutions in the field of the circular economy.
The programme unfolds over four phases:
1. Open Call | Applications
Submission phase through this [online form]. During this stage:
- The eligibility of applications is verified;
- The most promising teams and/or individual applications are selected.
Applications period: February 23-March 26, 2026
2. Hackathon & Ideation Phase
An intensive moment of ideation and early-stage solution development. This phase includes:
- Formation and consolidation of multidisciplinary teams (matchmaking);
- Presentation of challenges by Sociedade Ponto Verde;
- Ideation Bootcamp with a Design Thinking workshop (1.5 days, in person);
- Training in pitching and storytelling;
- Practical pitch session with feedback.
This stage culminates in the first Demo Day, where all teams present their solutions. Between 3 to 5 teams advance to the next phase and receive €1,000 in financial support.
3. MVP Development
The objective of this phase is to further develop the previously presented solutions and deliver at least one MVP (Minimum Viable Product). During this phase:
- Each team is assigned a dedicated mentor;
- At least two formal follow-up meetings are scheduled;
- The NOVA Impact team ensures continuous supervision;
- Thematic workshops are held to support project development (on Prototyping, Business Planning, and Intellectual Property Protection).
This phase culminates in the second Pitch Day (Demo Day), where teams present their prototypes or MVPs. The jury, with representation from SPV, selects the most promising solution, which receives €5,000 in financial support and advances to the fourth and final phase of the programme.
4. Pilot Phase
The winning team has the opportunity to continue developing its project with:
- Close support from Sociedade Ponto Verde;
- The possibility of implementing a pilot.
This phase concludes with the final presentation, on October 12, where the pilot results are evaluated and the potential for stable integration of the solution within SPV is assessed.
Who can apply?
The programme is aimed at:
- Students or alumni over 18 years old, from any field and level of study (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, etc.) enrolled at universities in the European Union;
- Researchers from universities in the European Union.
Team requirements:
- Teams of up to 5 members;
- At least one member must belong to the NOVA ecosystem (student, alumni, researcher, or staff member).
Individual applications:
- Entrepreneurs looking to join or form a team (matchmaking);
- Applicants may already have an idea/project or may be looking to join an existing project.
Duration
Ideation Bootcamp | Face to Face (APRIL)
- Welcome and networking session with team formation
- Kick-off and talk on the chosen design challenges (by SPV)
- Design thinking workshop
- How to pitch your project + pitch practice
- DEMO DAY 1
MVP sprint | Workshops are Online but intermediate and pitch presentations are Face to Face (MAY/JUNE)
- Workshops – in the beginning of each week (days to be announced)
- Dedicated mentoring + mentor network
- Intermediate report and presentation (days to be confirmed)
- DEMO DAY 2: June 16 | 4-7pm
Deadlines
Application Period: February 23 – March 26, 2026
Application Review: March 27 – 30, 2026
Announcement of Selected Teams and Individuals: March 31, 2026
Programme Start: April 13, 2026
Demo Day 1: April 27, 2026
Demo Day 2: June 16, 2026
Why should you apply?
CIRCULAR inNOVA(tion) 2.0 is a unique opportunity to:
- Develop solutions with real-world application in the packaging waste management sector;
- Work closely with a leading industry partner (Sociedade Ponto Verde);
- Test and validate ideas in a real-world environment;
- Transform academic knowledge into measurable environmental and social impact.