Are you an SME based in Päijät-Häme or Uusimaa regions with a circular economy innovation? Apply to Kiertotalousvauhdittamo and receive free expert support to develop and scale your solution.

Kiertotalousvauhdittamo or Circular Economy Accelerator is a practical growth and innovation programme for Finnish SMEs that are developing solutions related to the circular economy or broader sustainability challenges. The programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered by LAB and Laurea Universities of Applied Sciences between 2024 and 2027.

The programme is designed to help companies transform promising ideas and innovations into stronger business opportunities. Over a three-month period, participating firms receive expert guidance, tailored development support, and access to a network of circular economy specialists and other businesses. The overall objective is to strengthen companies’ growth potential while advancing sustainable and resource-efficient business practices. Participation is free of charge.

The Circular Economy Accelerator is relevant for companies working on products, services, technologies, or business models that contribute to more sustainable use of resources. Examples highlighted on the website include solutions that create value from industrial or food-production side streams and other circular business innovations that reduce waste and improve resource efficiency.

For an SME considering participation, the programme offers an opportunity to refine its business concept, receive expert feedback, strengthen commercialisation plans, and connect with other organisations active in the circular economy ecosystem. The next application round for the Spring 2027 programme opens on 1 December 2026. The programme is open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the Päijät-Häme and Uusimaa regions that seek to accelerate the development and commercialisation of circular economy innovations.