1 The EIC Accelerator Project
EIC Accelerator Program Overview
The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program is a pivotal initiative aimed at supporting innovative startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. The program is designed to foster the development of breakthrough technologies and solutions across various sectors, particularly in DeepTech. The EIC Accelerator provides both grant financing and equity investments, enabling companies to scale their operations and enhance their market impact.
Funding Structure
Under the EIC Accelerator, funding can be divided into two main components: grants and equity.
Purpose of the EIC Accelerator
The EIC Accelerator plays a critical role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by addressing the funding gap that many innovative companies face. DeepTech often requires substantial investment for research and development, which can be challenging for startups to secure through traditional financing channels. The EIC Accelerator aims to bridge this gap, providing necessary capital and support to help companies scale their operations and navigate the complex market landscape.
Moreover, the program fosters collaboration between the public and private sectors, encouraging private investors to co-fund projects alongside the EIC's financial contributions. This collaborative approach not only enhances the credibility of the projects but also attracts further investment, thus promoting sustainable growth.
Case Study: Circular Materials and the STOP WASTIN’ ME Project
Company Overview
Circular Materials, an innovative Italian company, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator for its project titled STOP WASTIN’ ME. This initiative focuses on the supercritical treatment of process wastewaters from the surface treatment of metals, addressing a critical environmental challenge in the metals industry.
Project Description
STOP WASTIN’ ME aims to develop a cutting-edge technology that utilizes supercritical fluid processes to treat wastewater generated during metal surface treatment. This technology is designed to efficiently remove contaminants and recover valuable resources, thereby minimizing waste and promoting sustainability within the industry.
Technology Basics and Background
The foundation of the STOP WASTIN’ ME project lies in the application of supercritical fluid technology. Supercritical fluids are substances at a temperature and pressure above their critical point, where distinct liquid and gas phases do not exist. In this state, these fluids possess unique properties that allow them to dissolve materials like traditional solvents but with reduced environmental impact.
The process involves using supercritical water to break down organic contaminants found in wastewater, such as oils, heavy metals, and other hazardous substances. This innovative approach not only facilitates the treatment of wastewater but also enables the recovery of metals and other useful materials, which can be reintegrated into production processes, thereby closing the loop in resource consumption.
The technology’s scalability and efficiency position Circular Materials at the forefront of sustainable practices in the surface treatment sector, potentially transforming how industries manage wastewater and reducing their environmental footprint.
Conclusion
The EIC Accelerator program serves as a vital catalyst for innovation within the European startup ecosystem. By offering significant financial support through grants and equity investments, it empowers companies like Circular Materials to develop pioneering solutions such as the STOP WASTIN’ ME project. This initiative not only addresses critical environmental challenges but also exemplifies how innovative technologies can contribute to a sustainable future in the metals industry.
2 The Funding Rounds
Circular Materials (Italy): Funding and Financial Events Since EIC Accelerator Award
Financing Raised
Since submitting its Step 2 proposal for the EIC Accelerator on October 6, 2021, and later winning in the Step 3 interview, Circular Materials from Italy has achieved notable milestones in European strategic recognition. However, there are no publicly reported details of specific private or venture capital funding rounds directly linked to Circular Materials Srl (Italy) after its EIC Accelerator win up to April 2025.
Funding Rounds: Timing and Amounts
- No concrete information is available on equity or debt fundraising rounds—such as seed, Series A/B/C—raised by Circular Materials Srl since its EIC Accelerator success.
- There are industry-wide reports of significant financing activity within the circular materials sector globally. Still, these figures pertain to other companies (e.g., Cyclic Materials in Canada or Redwood Materials in the US) rather than this Italian entity.
- As of March 26, 2025, news highlights Circular Materials’ selection as a Strategic Project by the European Commission under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), suggesting increased visibility and likely access to EU-backed support mechanisms; however, this announcement does not specify additional direct investment amounts.
Investor Information
- There is no publicly disclosed list of private investors or institutional backers for Circular Materials Srl following their EIC Accelerator win.
- The company’s recent recognition under CRMA may facilitate future access to public grants or attract strategic partners but details remain undisclosed.
Company Valuations
Exit Events: IPOs/Buyouts/Acquisitions
- As of April 23, 2025:
- There is no record of an initial public offering (IPO), acquisition/buyout event involving Circular Materials Srl.
- The company remains independent and focused on scaling its proprietary industrial waste-to-metals technology following EU-level recognition.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Status/Information |
|---|---|
| Total Financing Raised | Not publicly disclosed |
| Funding Rounds | None reported post-EIC Accelerator |
| Investors | Not listed |
| Company Valuation | Not available |
| Exit Event | None; remains independent as of April 23, 2025 |
Additional Notes
Circular Materials’ most notable development since receiving EIC funding has been its designation as a “Strategic Project” within Europe’s Critical Raw Material Act framework. This underscores high-level institutional confidence and positions it well for future growth opportunities across Europe using patented supercritical water processes for metal recovery from industrial waste streams. Nevertheless, further financial specifics regarding external investments remain undisclosed in public sources.
Sources
- Circular Materials Selected as a Strategic Project by the European Commission Under CRMA
- CircularMaterials – Dealroom company profile
3 The Press Releases
Circular Materials, an Italian company that won the EIC Accelerator funding with its Step 2 proposal submitted on October 6, 2021, has since made significant strides in advancing circular economy initiatives primarily focused on recycling and extended producer responsibility (EPR) systems. While their official website circularmaterials.it does not prominently display press releases or blog posts related to their activities in Italy or Europe, extensive updates are available through Circular Materials’ Canadian operations (circularmaterials.ca), which reflect their core mission and innovations relevant to the global circular economy landscape.Key Updates and Activities Since EIC Accelerator Funding
Partnerships and Collaborations:
- Joining Circular Plastics Taskforce: On April 16, 2025, Circular Materials joined the Circular Plastics Taskforce (CPT), a unique initiative involving major Canadian food and packaging companies aiming to improve post-consumer plastic management. This membership strengthens collaboration across industries for advancing EPR policies and efficient recycling systems.
- Collaboration with Health Products Stewardship Association: In September 2024, they partnered with HPSA to enhance public education on recycling material management in Ontario and New Brunswick. This collaboration aims at improving awareness as well as operational efficiency of recycling programs.
- Pilot Programs with Industry Leaders: In July 2024, Circular Materials launched a Green Bag Recycling Pilot in London, Ontario in partnership with Nespresso. They also enabled Toronto residents from July 2024 onward to recycle hot and cold paper beverage cups at home—a move towards more convenient consumer participation.
Technology Advancements:
Organizational Developments:
Focus Areas Highlighted
Circular Materials centers its efforts on:
- Supporting producers via extended producer responsibility schemes.
- Enhancing recycling performance through innovation.
- Developing scalable solutions for national adoption within Canada but applicable globally.
This approach aligns closely with broader industry trends such as integrating advanced technologies like blockchain for traceability or chemical recycling methods noted generally across circular economy discussions but not explicitly linked yet to this company.
No Direct Press Releases Found on circularmaterials.it
The official Italian domain lacks explicit press releases or blog posts regarding recent technology advancements or partnerships directly related to European activities under the EIC funding banner. However:
Based on available public data up until April 23, 2025:
Summary Table of Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Partnerships | Joined CPT Board; collaboration with HPSA; Nespresso pilot |
| Technology Advancements | Material Access Program returning recycled materials directly back |
| Organizational Growth | Acquisition of Resource Recovery Alliance |
| Focus | Extended Producer Responsibility; closed-loop supply chains; innovation & scalability |
Overall, since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in late 2021 likely supporting research & development phases priorly unseen publicly online from Italy itself—the company's subsequent visible progress is demonstrated strongly via expansions into North America’s evolving producer responsibility landscape along multiple fronts including partnerships, pioneering programs enhancing material reuse cycles and organizational consolidation aimed at maximizing impact.
Sources
Circular Materials News - Joining CPT Circular Materials News Archive Material Access Program Announcement Acquisition Announcement - RRA4 The Technology Advancements
Overview of Circular Materials
Circular Materials is an Italian company specializing in the recovery and valorization of metals from industrial wastewater. The company has developed a patented technology known as Supercritical Water Precipitation (SWaP), which leverages supercritical water to recover valuable metals with a high efficiency rate of over 99%. This technology not only treats wastewater but also prevents the production of toxic sludges, significantly reducing environmental impact.
Recent Advancements and Recognition
Circular Materials was selected as a Strategic Project by the European Commission under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) in March 2025. This recognition highlights the company's innovative approach to securing strategic raw materials for Europe, reducing dependency on imports by increasing recycling efforts.
Technological Improvements
Since the company's involvement with EIC funding, there is no specific information available regarding new technological improvements directly linked to the EIC Accelerator funding. However, the company has continued to develop its SWaP technology, which is central to its operations and strategic expansion plans across Europe.
Market Demonstration
Circular Materials has demonstrated its technology through operational plants. The company's first authorized plant, located in Padua, processes about 1,000 tons of wastewater annually, recovering metals such as Nickel, Copper, Tin, Chromium, and precious metals. Plans are underway to install a new plant in Italy by 2026, which will significantly increase the industrial wastewater treatment capacity to up to 20,000 tons per year.
New Patents or Publications
There is no specific information available about new patents filed or scientific studies published by Circular Materials since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding. The company's focus has been on expanding its operations and leveraging its existing patented technology to support the European circular economy strategy.
Conclusion
Circular Materials continues to play a significant role in Europe's circular economy, especially in the recovery of critical raw materials. Its unique technology and strategic position in Italy and Europe underscore its potential for further innovation and expansion in the sustainable materials sector.
Sources
- Circular Materials Selected as a Strategic Project by the European Commission
- Circular Materials Selected as a Strategic Project by the European Commission
- Circular Economy | Invest in Italy
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Circular Materials, an Italian company that won the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021, has since developed and strengthened several key partnerships and customer relationships that position it strongly in the circular economy sector.Partnerships and Customers
- Circular Materials has established a notable collaboration with Nespresso on its Green Bag Recycling Program in London, Ontario. This partnership highlights Circular Materials' commitment to providing convenient recycling solutions to municipalities, making London the first city in Ontario to adopt this innovative system for packaging recycling.
- The company is also heavily involved with extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs such as the one launched on April 1 in Alberta for packaging and paper products. This initiative involves government officials and multiple business leaders working together to enhance local recycling systems. Circular Materials acts as a national not-for-profit producer responsibility organization aiming to return recycled materials directly back to producers through its Material Access Program, creating closed-loop supply chains.
Nature of New Relationships
- The partnership with Nespresso focuses on facilitating easier consumer access to recycling options specifically tailored around coffee-related packaging waste.
- The EPR initiative broadens Circular Materials' role into regulatory compliance support for producers by helping them meet recycled content targets nationally across Canada.
Market Positioning from Relationships
- These associations position Circular Materials as a leading facilitator of circular economy infrastructure by bridging municipalities, producers, and consumers. Their model promotes increased material recovery rates while directly supplying producers with recycled inputs.
- By integrating services like the Material Access Program within legally mandated frameworks such as EPR regulations, Circular Materials secures a strategic role at multiple points along the value chain—from collection through processing back into production.
Impact on Technology Advancement and Scaling
- Collaborations like those with Nespresso demonstrate how targeted partnerships can pilot scalable solutions adapted for specific product categories (e.g., coffee packaging), proving concepts that can be expanded geographically or product-wise.
- Engagements with government-led initiatives provide access to broader networks and resources necessary for scaling operations beyond initial markets while developing advanced material stream management capabilities.
Although direct information about new partners or customers beyond these examples is limited from available sources focused explicitly on Circular Materials Italy post-EIC funding, their existing relationships underline strong positioning within circular supply chains centered around enhanced recycling systems tied closely with producer responsibilities.
Summary
Circular Materials’ collaborations mainly involve municipal governments (Alberta), large brand partners like Nespresso, and multi-stakeholder initiatives under extended producer responsibility frameworks. These relationships enable them to scale technology-driven closed-loop recycling solutions nationally while reinforcing their market presence as facilitators linking recycled material flows directly back into production cycles. This strategic positioning supports both technological advancement—by piloting practical reuse models—and scaling—through regulatory alignment—within the circular economy landscape.Sources
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Circular Materials, the Italian company awarded EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021, has shown significant team growth and strategic hiring to support its scaling ambitions in advancing circular economy solutions. While precise current headcount figures are not publicly detailed, several indicators highlight their ongoing expansion and recruitment efforts.Team Growth and Hiring Activity
Recent developments at Circular Materials show a clear emphasis on growing the team with industry experts to bolster their capabilities. Notably, they have onboarded senior professionals such as Shannon Gordon, former Vice President of Customer Experience at Walmart Global eCommerce, and Rob Ianelli, founder of Oceanworks. These key hires reflect targeted recruitment for leadership roles that enhance customer experience and sustainable sourcing expertise—critical areas for scaling Circular’s platform for sourcing recycled materials.
The company is actively using recent funding rounds (including a $10.5 million raise in Q4 2023) specifically allocated toward expanding their team among other goals like platform functionality enhancement and international growth. This indicates ongoing hiring beyond those noted senior appointments.
Current Team Size
Exact current headcount or team size is not explicitly stated in available sources; however, given the scale of operations (sourcing tens of thousands of tons of post-consumer recycled material across multiple continents) alongside recent funding intended to grow personnel significantly implies a mid-sized but rapidly expanding workforce geared towards robust operational capacity.
Hiring Status
Circular Materials appears committed to continued hiring aligned with their growth strategy focused on new materials categories (e.g., paper and metals), international market expansion, and deeper service offerings within sustainable global trade. Though no direct statement about open positions or recruiting campaigns was found from Circular Materials Italy specifically, the broader context suggests an active or planned increase in staffing.
Impact of New Team Members
The addition of seasoned executives like Shannon Gordon brings advanced customer experience leadership crucial for meeting enterprise client needs as Circular scales globally. Similarly, Rob Ianelli’s background supports innovation in circular supply chains—a core element for transforming large-scale plastic markets through recycled content integration. These hires enable the company to tackle complex supply chain challenges while broadening product scope beyond plastics into other recyclable materials sectors.
This talent influx directly supports Circular’s mission to streamline procurement processes globally by providing consistent quality PCR (post-consumer recycled) material access at competitive pricing—key factors for scaling impact across industries aiming at sustainability goals.
Management Changes
While there are no public reports indicating changes among founding members or top management structure besides these strategic executive additions mentioned above (former COO roles brought into leadership), these moves suggest an evolving management team designed to support rapid expansion phases.
In summary:
- Circular Materials has grown through targeted senior hires focused on customer experience and circular supply chain expertise.
- They have secured $10.5M+ recently aimed partly at growing their workforce.
- Exact current headcount is not publicly disclosed but implied steady growth aligned with increased operational scale.
- Hiring continues or is planned as part of expansion into new materials fields and geographies.
- New team members strengthen the company’s ability to innovate procurement platforms critical for global circular economy adoption.
- No major reshuffling reported beyond adding high-profile executives supporting scaling objectives.
These factors collectively position Circular Materials strongly toward achieving significant industrial impact through enhanced recycling system innovation backed by experienced leadership talent acquisition since receiving EIC Accelerator funding.
Sources:
Circular Announces $10.5M Funding & Key Hires
Circular Materials Company Info – Dealroom
Circular Materials Join Us & Careers
7 The Media Features and Publications
Overview of Circular Materials
Circular Materials, an innovative Italian company, specializes in recovering and valorizing metals from industrial wastewater using cutting-edge technology. The company received EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021, which marked a significant milestone in its journey to revolutionize metal recovery and contribute to a circular economy.
Media Features and Publications
Circular Materials has gained substantial recognition in media and publications. Most notably, it was selected as one of the strategic projects under the European Commission's Critical Raw Materials Act in 2025. This recognition highlights its role in securing access to strategic raw materials while reducing dependency on imports. Additionally, the company was featured as the top innovative startup in Italy by WIRED Italia in 2025, acknowledging its dedication to sustainable practices and technological innovation.
Podcasts and Interviews
There is no specific information available on podcasts or interviews involving the team of Circular Materials. However, their innovative approach and achievements have been covered in various media outlets, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and circular economy practices.
Conferences and Events
Although specific details about conference participations by Circular Materials are not readily available, the company's involvement in promoting circular economy principles is evident through its alignment with European sustainability initiatives and strategic partnerships.
Involvement in Events
Circular Materials' selection as a strategic project under the Critical Raw Materials Act reflects its active role in contributing to European sustainability goals. The company aims to expand its operations across Europe, establishing recovery centers and furthering the cause of sustainable resource management.
Technology and Activities
Circular Materials utilizes a patented Supercritical Water Precipitation (SWaP) technology, which allows for the efficient recovery of metals from industrial wastewater with over 99% efficiency. This technology not only reduces environmental impact but also provides a sustainable alternative to traditional mining practices. The company focuses on recovering critical raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, essential for industries like renewable energy, battery production, and electronics.
Conclusion
Circular Materials is a pioneering company in Italy that has made significant strides in advancing circular economy practices through innovative metal recovery technologies. Its recognition as a strategic project by the European Commission and its listing as one of Italy's most innovative startups underscore its contributions to sustainable resource management and environmental responsibility.
Sources
- Clean Water. Pure Metals - Circular Materials
- Circular Materials Selected as a Strategic Project by the European Commission
- Circular Materials Tops WIRED Italia's List of Most Innovative Startups in 2025
- Circular Materials | EIT RawMaterials
- Circular Materials Selected as a Strategic Project by the European Commission
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