Green Alley Award 2016
The Green Alley Award is an annual european prize for start-ups and entrepreneurs in the green economy, initiated in 2014 by a group of strong partners in Germany’s entrepreneurial eco-system. We are proud to be the first start-up award to recognize promising business ideas that contribute to building a circular economy and improving the waste and recycling industry as we know it today. Our aim is to find creative people with innovative ideas about how to turn waste into a sutainable business model.

What's it all about?
The natural resources on our earth are limited, but despite their finite nature we consume and dispose of them as if we have another earth to go to next. The linear model of economic growth has also increased the amount of waste produced by each person. Instead of continuing this trend, we need to change the way we consume our limited resources. To achieve this we need ideas that can help build a circular economy and turn waste into a resource.
This can be done by
reducing, reusing or recycling industrial or consumer waste streams like packaging waste, WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment), batteries, used photovoltaic modules, commercial and industrial waste, plastics, etc.
replacing non-renewable resources with recycled or fully recyclable material
repairing and refurbishing, as well as extending the lifecycle of products
improving the reuse and recyclability of products and materials
improving product design and considering environmental impacts during the whole lifecycle
closing the materials loop through recycling and refurbishing
raising awareness of recycling and sustainability through new services, products or technologies
strengthening producer responsibility and compliance with European waste regulations

Let’s make a difference and make the world a greener place!

Who can participate?
Are you an eco-entrepreneur or green start-up who wants to tackle the global waste challenge? You can apply for the Green Alley Award no matter what stage of development your business has reached, whether you are a founder with a rough idea or a small business just starting to grow, we are open to new concepts and look forward to your application. Even national boundaries are irrelevant: we are looking for start-ups from all around the world interested in entering the European market. There is only one must-have: Your business idea must be related to waste. Not sure if you fit in? Then check out our section “What’s it all about?”

If you have found
a product, service or technology to help avoid, reduce, reuse, recycle or transform waste, or to revolutionize the management of resources
a way of raising awareness of recycling and waste challenges
then take your chance and apply today!

What's in store for me?
Being part of the Green Alley Award helps your business idea to gain visibility in the green and circular economy sector all around Europe. As a finalist we invite you to a one-day event with workshops and live pitches in Berlin where you will meet our circular economy experts and benefit from unique networking and learning opportunities. Use the event to get inspired and exchange ideas with like-minded entrepreneurs – including the award judges and mentors! The people you meet at the Green Alley Award could bring your business helpful contacts and partnerships as well as important sales and distribution channels in the German, UK market and beyond.

There is no such thing as losing. All our finalists:
are invited to the final in Berlin
will receive advice from our experts and experienced start-ups during our workshop in Berlin
will get networking opportunities and new business contacts in the environmental industry
will pitch in front of our Jury and international audience

Beside our beautifully upcycled award trophy, the one and only Green Alley Award winner receives up to 30,000 Euros in cash and services:
a cash prize of 7000 €
rent-free space in our coworking space in Berlin for six months
customized one-day workshop with a topic to choose (E-Commerce/Online-Marketing and -Strategies or Organizational development)
the possibility to receive crowdfunding, or to take part in a UK accelerator programme
the possibility to pitch in front of the Green Alley management board for an investment

Apply today and meet our green economy experts in Berlin: http://green-alley-award.com/