URBAN-X by MINI has announced the startups for its 2023 MINI Impact Program, which include a German startup Circleback.
The initiative supports startups committed to creating sustainable, livable, and resilient cities. These seven startups are tackling environmental challenges through innovative solutions in waste reduction, sustainable transportation, and more.
Global focus & collaboration
The program, expanding from its New York City base, focuses on MINI’s global markets. It includes startups from Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Portugal, and South Africa. Collaborations with entities like Urban Innovation in Germany and Utopia highlight its global reach.
Over four weeks, founders received tailored guidance, including customer discovery and business roadmapping. The program concluded in New York, offering strategy discussions and networking opportunities.
Innovative startups driving change
Among the chosen startups is Circleback from Germany. Co-founded in 2021 by Brett Dickey and Kimani Michalke, Circleback addresses the global waste crisis. Dickey, inspired during his nine years leading an eco-tourism company in Panama, teamed up with Michalke, whose varied background spans startup founding, business consulting, and psychology.
Together, they tackle the inefficiencies in multi-use e-commerce packaging. Circleback’s innovative approach aims to make multi-use packaging more cost-effective and efficient, transforming it from a niche product into a widely available option for e-commerce, thus contributing to sustainable packaging solutions.
Other participants
Other notable participants include Ecomilhas from Brazil, incentivizing greener transportation, and Eneryou from Mexico, focusing on sustainable education. Spain’s Gravity Wave recycles ocean plastic into public furniture. Raiz from Portugal develops food growing hubs in cities. South Africa’s Regenize provides zero-waste solutions in recycling.
Sarah Schappert, Director of URBAN-X, emphasized the urgency of supporting innovative solutions addressing climate challenges. These startups reflect MINI’s commitment to a responsible future.
Achievements of previous cohorts
The first cohort of the MINI Impact Program has seen significant growth. Singapore’s Humfree is preparing for a U.S. debut with its rentable electric scooters. Indonesia’s Dulang has partnered with an Australian firm to repurpose used electronics. France’s Fabbrick recycled over 10 tons of textiles into building materials. Italy’s Wiseair partnered with Camaiore to manage local air quality.
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