A new network for circular and cleantech innovation in Flanders
SDR Flanders and CAPTURE are joining forces to establish CIRE (Clean Industrial Resources Ecosystem). The initiative has been selected under VLAIO’s Innovative Business Networks (IBN) programme and will receive support over the next three years to accelerate the scaling of cleantech and circular innovations. Launching in 2027, the network aims to contribute to a competitive and sustainable Flemish industry.
Why CIRE?
Flanders faces significant challenges related to resource use, circular value chains, and industrial sustainability. At the same time, companies, technology developers, and research institutions are actively developing innovative solutions. However, the transition from innovation to industrial implementation often remains challenging. Successful scale-up requires not only technology, but also collaboration between the right partners, access to expertise, and a strong ecosystem.
CIRE brings these stakeholders together to accelerate the implementation of innovation in industry.
From Innovation to Industrial Application
CIRE aims to stimulate new collaborations between companies, technology developers, research institutions, and other stakeholders. The network will help identify opportunities for joint innovation, promote knowledge exchange, and support the development of new circular value chains. By bringing together expertise, networks, and practical experience, CIRE seeks to accelerate the scaling of cleantech and circular innovations across Flanders.
Complementary Expertise
SDR Flanders and CAPTURE each contribute their own unique strengths.
SDR Flanders has built a strong industrial network in Flanders and the cross-border North Sea Port region, with extensive experience in connecting companies around shared sustainability and innovation challenges.
CAPTURE complements this with scientific expertise and hands-on experience in the fields of the circular economy, carbon management, water technologies, and plastics recycling. Through research, demonstration projects, and close collaboration with industry, CAPTURE develops innovative solutions for a more sustainable industrial future.
By combining these complementary capabilities, both organisations aim to foster new collaborations and project opportunities within a Flanders-wide network.
A Broadly Supported Initiative
CIRE is built not only on the expertise of SDR Flanders and CAPTURE, but also on the support of numerous companies (+45), research institutions, and other organisations. Their involvement demonstrates the need for a strong ecosystem that brings together stakeholders working on circular industry, cleantech, and industrial sustainability.
What Does This Mean for Flanders?
Through CIRE, SDR Flanders, CAPTURE, and their partners are investing in a stronger innovation ecosystem for Flanders. By creating stronger connections between companies, technology developers, and research institutions, the network aims to contribute to a competitive and sustainable industrial landscape.
CIRE will support the development of new circular value chains, help accelerate the transfer of knowledge into practice, and create favourable conditions for the industrial-scale deployment of innovative solutions.
In doing so, the network will contribute to the further sustainability and resilience of Flemish industry while increasing the real-world impact of innovation.
Towards the Launch in 2027
Over the coming months, SDR Flanders and CAPTURE will continue preparing CIRE. This includes engaging new partners, further developing the network’s activities and governance, and preparing the first initiatives.
From 2027 onwards, CIRE aims to become an open, Flanders-wide network in which companies, research institutions, and other stakeholders collaborate to accelerate the scaling of cleantech and circular innovations.