BEARTH: the incubator for circular industrial projects

BEARTH is a support programme for anyone aiming to launch a project related to circular industrial production and associated services in Brussels. 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.

The shift towards a more sustainable economy, as outlined in the Shifting Economy regional strategy, also involves a smart and circular reindustrialisation of Brussels. Local, sustainable production with minimal extraction of new resources remains a major challenge. That’s exactly why it matters.

BEARTH supports this transformation by empowering high-impact entrepreneurial projects in industrial sectors such as wood, textiles, construction, mobility, electronics and production support services.

This project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the Brussels-Capital Region.

6
months
of incubation
40
h
of coaching
10
companies
selected

Who is this programme for?

BEARTH is aimed at anyone who:

  • Has an innovative idea related to circular industrial production or services supporting production;
  • Plans to eventually launch this activity in Brussels;
  • 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 business models 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 one-day bootcamp. By the end of the day, 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 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. With BEARTH, you’ll exit the incubator with a tested and validated MVP (minimum viable product) based on real feedback from potential customers.

At the end of the programme, you’ll be able to apply to the Greenlab accelerator to bring your project to life.

Ils et elles nous ont fait confiance

Jil&Sam

ISSAM

Jil&Sam
L’expérience Auberge Espagnole est une expérience humaine avant tout, qui nous aide à développer notre projet en nous donnant les outils nécessaires pour y parvenir. Pour chaque projet, il y a un avant et après L'Auberge Espagnole.
Aesthete Kidswear

INGA

Aesthete Kidswear
J’ai l’impression d’avoir été une jeune fille qui apprend à faire du vélo: hub.brussels m’a rassurée et tenue pour que je ne tombe pas. Sans que je m’en rende compte, ils m’ont lâchée et j’ai tenu sur deux roues…. Grâce aux coachings et à la tenue de cette boutique éphémère, je sais maintenant rouler toute seule !
Kembo et les saveurs d'Afrique

MARYSE

Kembo et les saveurs d'Afrique

C'est une expérience qui m’a forgée professionnellement et personnellement. J’en ressors changée. Il y a encore des choses à travailler mais je pars avec un bon bagage. J’ai beaucoup appris des coaches. Merci pour cette belle expérience de vie !

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.

The project selection process takes place in 3 steps:

1) Call for applications

This call is open for one month and takes the form of a short form to complete. During the application period, the form will be available on this page.

2) Pre-selection of applications

A jury will review your application based on your form responses 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. You’ll receive a decision no later than one month after submitting your application.

BEARTH is the first step in your entrepreneurial journey in circular production in Brussels. Our incubation programme helps you structure your idea, test its feasibility and create a first prototype. With the support of our experts, you’ll lay the solid foundations for a viable business, and then have the opportunity to join the Greenlab accelerator to bring your project to life.

<p>The entire programme is free of charge! We simply ask that you stay committed and see it through to the end.</p>

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.

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.

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!

Interested?

The call for applications is now closed.

Fill in this form to be notified by email when the next call opens.

Need more information? Join one of our online info sessions! New dates will be published soon, and you’ll be able to register here on this page.

Any questions? Contact our team!

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: