Climate Tech Accelerator Launches Track for Waste-to-Value Startups

Climate Tech Accelerator Launches Track for Waste‑to‑Value Startups

Today, the groundbreaking climate‑tech accelerator GreenLeap Ventures (GLV) officially announces the launch of its new “Waste‑to‑Value” Track, aimed at catalyzing early‑stage startups that convert waste streams into high‑value products and services. With this initiative, GLV underscores its commitment to supporting circular economy innovation and tackling one of the most pressing climate‑tech challenges of our time.

Key Highlights

The Waste‑to‑Value Track is accepting applications from driven founders whose solutions turn waste (organic, plastic, industrial, agricultural) into value — whether via recycling, upcycling, bio‑conversion, or resource recovery.
Selected startups will receive: principal mentorship from industry veterans; access to a global network of investors; technical workshops on scaling waste‑stream technologies; and seed funding of up to USD 100,000.
The programme kicks off with a six‑month intensive acceleration period, culminating in a Demo Day where founders will pitch to strategic corporate partners and impact investors.
GLV has already secured letters of partnership from leading waste‑management firms and manufacturing companies eager to pilot circular‑economy applications of accelerator alumni.
By offering this dedicated track, GLV seeks to build a high‑impact portfolio of companies that unlock value from what was once considered waste — thereby supporting climate goals, reducing landfill dependence, and generating economic opportunity.

Why Waste‑to‑Value Matters

As global waste volumes surge, traditional approaches to collection and disposal are increasingly untenable. A comprehensive ecosystem analysis shows that the “waste‑to‑value” startup sector — defined as enterprises converting waste into useful products, materials or energy — is still nascent but rapidly growing. Intellecap+1 For instance, programmes like the “Waste to Value Accelerator” in East Africa reported that many startups remain pre‑revenue and under‑capitalised. Ventureburn+1

For this reason, GLV’s new track is timely: it aims to bridge the gap between innovative concepts and commercial viability, providing founders with both the technical and business rods they need to scale.

Programme Structure & Support

During the six‑month track, participants will benefit from:

A curated mentorship programme featuring clean‑tech entrepreneurs, circular‑economy experts, and funders.
Weekly workshops covering topics such as “Waste‑Stream Mapping & Business Models”, “Resource Recovery Technologies”, “Pilot & Scale Strategies”, and “Investor Readiness for Circular Ventures”.
Access to GLV’s partner network, which includes waste‑management companies, recycling technology providers, larger manufacturing firms seeking circular supply‑chain partnerships, and ESG‑focused funds.
Seed capital of up to USD 100,000 (equity terms) for the top three teams, plus follow‑on investment pathways through GLV’s fund partners.
A Demo Day in Month 6 bringing founders face‑to‑face with corporates and investors focused on the circular economy.

Who Should Apply

Ideal applicants are early‑stage (post‑MVP) startups working on waste‑to‑value solutions anywhere in the world, including but not limited to:

Converting agricultural or organic waste into bio‑materials, biochemicals or renewable energy.
Transforming plastic, textile or composite waste into new products or feedstocks.
Designing innovative systems for industrial waste capture and circular resource loops.
Applicants should have a working prototype or initial customer/pilot traction, a committed founding team, and a scalable business model.

Why Partners Are Excited

GLV’s corporate partners emphasise that the waste‑to‑value sector offers untapped opportunities: waste streams represent a low‑cost feedstock, novel business models can reduce both carbon and materials input, and the circular economy is emerging as an investment frontier. As one partner noted, “Waste has always been someone’s problem—this track turns waste into someone’s opportunity.” Disrupt Africa+1

Applications for the first cohort of the Waste‑to‑Value Track are now open and will close on February 28, 2026. Founders are encouraged to apply via the GLV website at [www.greenleapventures.com/apply] (link provided here). Early‑bird applicants will be eligible for a pre‑selection call with the team.

About GreenLeap Ventures

GreenLeap Ventures is a leading climate‑tech accelerator and seed fund focused on accelerating early‑stage companies that drive emissions reduction, resource circularity and climate resilience. Since its founding in 2022, GLV has supported over 40 startups across sectors including energy, materials, agritech and waste‑tech. The Waste‑to‑Value Track represents GLV’s strategic commitment to the circular economy and harnessing climate innovation at scale.