You have an idea but not sure where to start? In just six months, BEARTH helps you turn intention into action. Coaching, an energising bootcamp and valuable networking give you a strong and motivating framework aligned with your values.
BEARTH is a support programme for anyone aiming to launch an innovative project related to circular industrial production and associated services in Brussels – whether it’s about producing, supporting or transforming.
This project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the Brussels-Capital Region.
Who is this programme for?
BEARTH is aimed at anyone who:
- Has an innovative idea related to circular industrial production or services supporting production
- AND plans to eventually launch – and settle – this activity in Brussels
- AND aims to scale to at least small-batch production and/or sell beyond the Brussels-Capital Region
- Wants to start a project:
- In support services for circular production OR
- In circular production aligned with one or more of the 4 circular business models (see below)
Circular sourcing
Producing using renewable resources or recycled materials ▶️watch the explainer video
Example: Permafungi
Product life extension
Designing eco-friendly products that are built to last, easy to repair, disassemble or repurpose.
Example: Mekanika
Resource recovery
Giving waste a second life: reuse, reconditioning, upcycling, remanufacturing… ▶️watch the explainer video
Example: R-Use Fabrik
More efficient use of resources
Sharing or pooling the use of industrial assets: functional economy (rental). This model must also be combined with at least one of the previous ones.
Example: Snappies
What does the programme offer?
BEARTH is a 6-month support journey, structured in 3 key phases:
1.
Bootcamp
The programme kicks off with a practical and inspiring bootcamp. By the end of the weekend, you’ll have a clearer view of your project’s feasibility and a roadmap to guide you through the rest of the programme.
2.
Group and individual coaching
You’ll take part in weekly group coaching sessions led by sector experts on topics like business modelling, product or service development, pitching, and more — plus you’ll receive personalised one-on-one coaching tailored to your project.
3.
Prototyping and rapid iteration
Launching a project in the circular urban industry is a real challenge. That’s why we’ll also help you develop an initial prototype with the help of experts and personalized coaching. With BEARTH, you’ll exit the incubator with a ready-to-test MVP (minimum viable product) based on real feedback.
The programme will be held in English. Weekly group workshops will take place on weekdays, in the evenings, and outside of school holidays, to facilitate your launch into entrepreneurship alongside another main activity.
At the end of the programme, you’ll be able to apply to the Greenlab accelerator to bring your project to life.
How do I apply?
The project selection process takes place in 3 steps:
1) Call for applications
This call is open until November 13th and consists of a short form to complete (down this page).
2) Pre-selection of applications
A jury will review your application based on your form responses, the mandatory criteria and the feasibility of your project.
3) Pitch before a jury
If your application is pre-selected, you’ll be invited to present your project in a pitch session before the jury. Save the date: November 19 and 20. You will be allocated a 30-minute slot to pitch your project in person at hub.brussels, 110 Chaussée de Charleroi in Saint-Gilles.
Our “not to be missed” events
Our online info sessions
Join one of our info sessions on Teams!
In just one hour, you’ll get a full introduction to the programme and have the chance to ask your questions live.
Our kick-off event (12/11)
Join us for an inspiring evening with entrepreneurs who are redefining circular industry!
We’ll present the full range of opportunities offered through the programme — live and in person — from 6 to 9 PM.
Now’s the time to get started!
Any questions?
Send them to Julie & Louise at bearth@hub.brussels.
Any questions?
FAQ
BEARTH is for anyone drawn to entrepreneurship, who already has an idea in circular industry or production support services, but doesn’t know how to take the first step. The programme is open to anyone ready to commit to an entrepreneurial journey in Brussels — physical presence is required, as is the intention to start a business in the Brussels-Capital Region if the project comes to fruition.
By industrial production, we mean activities involving the manufacturing, transformation or maintenance of physical goods, with a focus on optimising resources, repair, reuse and waste reduction.
Industrial production therefore includes all activities that process physical goods, such as:
- producing raw materials (basic components),
- treating them (cleaning, coating, chemical or thermal treatment, maintenance, repair, etc.),
- or transforming them (assembling, shaping, cutting, sewing, printing, packaging, etc.).
These activities can be linked to a service as part of what is known as the functional economy (e.g. replacing product ownership with use, such as renting).
Services are accepted only if they directly support circular production
(e.g. logistics for recycled materials, shared equipment, technologies for production optimisation, etc.).
In addition, for projects to be considered circular, they must fit within one of the four business models mentioned above.
The group sessions are delivered in English.
One-on-one coaching can take place in English or French.
The programme – both group and individual coaching – will take place primarily at the hub.brussels offices (110 Chaussée de Charleroi, 1060 Saint-Gilles).
Some events will also be hosted at Greenbizz (Rue Dieudonné Lefèvre 17, 1020 Brussels).
The entire program is free of charge! However, we ask that you honor your commitment to participate in all group and individual coaching sessions until the end of the program.
You do not need to be Belgian.
However, you must live in Belgium, and your physical presence is required to attend the weekly group sessions in Brussels.
No, the programme is 100% in-person, to facilitate meaningful exchange and networking.
That said, ad hoc arrangements may be made to hold individual coaching sessions online, subject to your coach’s approval.
Absolutely! The programme takes place on weekday evenings, from 6 to 9 PM, making it compatible with other daytime activities.
No, the programme is 100% in-person, to facilitate meaningful exchange and networking.
That said, ad hoc arrangements may be made to hold individual coaching sessions online, subject to your coach’s approval.
Yes, it’s possible to apply as co-founders.
However, to ensure smooth follow-up of learning and project development, we ask you to designate one lead contact who will follow the programme in full.
You’re developing a project around a commerce platform, repair café, zero-waste grocery, or second-hand shop…
While these initiatives are sustainable, they are not eligible for BEARTH.
Why? Because they do not directly contribute to local, industrial circular production.
BEARTH is strictly reserved for projects that generate or support industrial circular production based in Brussels.
A digital solution is only eligible if it enables or supports a circular production process — for example:
a workshop co-working marketplace,
a recycling tracking platform,
a tool-sharing system.
If this is not the case, then your project does not fall within the scope of BEARTH.
Do you have a project in industrial production or support services that follows a circular and sustainable logic? Is your project innovative? Are you looking to develop it in Brussels and give it the means to scale?
Then BEARTH is the ideal launchpad to structure, test and launch your entrepreneurial project in circular industry and services in Brussels.
Absolutely not! Our team provides you with dedicated coaching tailored to your needs, at every stage of your incubation journey. You’ll be part of a supportive community of experts and entrepreneurs who share their experiences and lift each other up.
Because we’re the only incubator in Brussels fully dedicated to circular production and related services. We welcome a wide range of sectors (textiles, furniture, electronics, construction, mobility…), except for the agri-food industry.
At BEARTH, you receive hands-on support to prototype, test and iterate quickly — with access to tools, workshops and expert guidance. Less theory, more impact!
You also have access to the network and events of hub.brussels and its circular economy cluster circlemade, which brings together entrepreneurs from the sector! Events, networking, group and individual coaching—you won’t be alone in this adventure!
BEARTH is the first step in your entrepreneurial journey in circular production and support services in Brussels. Our incubation program allows you to structure your idea, test its feasibility, and create an initial prototype. Together with our experts, you lay the solid foundations for a viable project and then have the opportunity to join the Greenlab accelerator, subject to selection, to ensure its concrete deployment.
Thank you to the BEARTH partners:
BEARTH is an initiative by hub.brussels, supported by ERDF and the Brussels-Capital Region. It is part of a complete support offer for circular entrepreneurs:
- Incubation through BEARTH
- Acceleration via Greenlab
- Networking via circlemade.brussels
