Taranto CirTech acceleration program launched


Here are the startups leading the circular transition


Taranto, July 25, 2025 – The Taranto CirTech acceleration program, an initiative promoted by Tondo to foster circular innovation in the Apulia region, has officially kicked off. The program, developed following the award of a PNRR tender within the MUSA (Multilayered Urban Sustainability Action) Ecosystem, aims to support startups and innovative projects with a high environmental and social impact, capable of contributing to the sustainable transformation of the Taranto and Apulia regions.


At the heart of the acceleration are the selected startups, which represent emerging excellence in the fields of circular economy, clean tech, bioeconomy, and sustainable innovation. After a careful selection process that took place in June, eleven businesses were admitted to the program, divided into pre-acceleration, acceleration, and post-acceleration phases based on the maturity stage of the project.


During the pre-acceleration phase, two projects were selected that are still in their infancy but show good innovative potential. The first is iMensa, a digital platform for the smart management of university canteens. Students book via an app, an AI algorithm calibrates quantities to reduce waste, while reusable containers and a cloud dashboard manage local suppliers, electric deliveries, and biogas waste recovery. Pre-acceleration will support testing and the construction of a network of partners.


The other company selected for pre-acceleration is Phytoroots, which operates in the field of phytoremediation using strains of Cannabis sativa capable of absorbing contaminants. Using low-environmental-impact biotechnology, the aim is to develop a circular economy model based on the reuse of hemp seeds and stems in a zero-waste approach for the production of value-added derivatives. The Taranto CirTech program will help validate the model in critical contexts by building partnerships with local authorities and environmental stakeholders.


The acceleration phase is the one that welcomes the largest group of selected projects. Among these, 2Pack develops biodegradable and water-repellent packaging from fish waste, as an alternative to plastic. The technology involves a coating derived from non-food materials to make the paper hydrophobic. The acceleration will allow for the optimization of the model, the scouting of partners, and the strengthening of the commercial strategy.


B&Y has designed an eco-friendly mortar from stone waste, compatible with 3D printing for furniture and construction. The upcycling approach uses low-impact binders for a sustainable and industrializable product. The acceleration will help strengthen the business model and develop winning commercial strategies.


BlueGeo aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic impact on natural ecosystems and biodiversity, focusing on mitigating the effects on the Apulian and Mediterranean coasts. The team wants to test the technology on critical coastal areas, proposing a scalable model for coastal zone management.


Criopura is an N-methylglucamine-based cryogel that removes toxic contaminants (arsenic, chromium, phosphates) from water. It offers an environmentally friendly and customizable solution for purification with a view to the circular economy. The acceleration will support the construction of a commercial development roadmap and the validation of real use cases.


Myconic develops alternative materials to plastic from mycelium and food waste for use in electronics. The materials are regenerative, biodegradable, and compliant with technical standards. The program will support the validation of the business model and the building of strategic alliances for the project.


Techloop is a platform for intelligent waste management using IoT, RFID, and conversational AI. TRACE aggregates data from sensors in the field to improve separate waste collection and support pay-as-you-throw pricing. The program will guide its development, the activation of local nodes, and the creation of public-private partnerships, and will support the validation of the solution in a real-world context.


Finally, in the post-acceleration phase, there are three companies that have already reached a good degree of maturity and intend to consolidate their impact. Arabat recovers critical metals from used batteries using bio-hydrometallurgical technology that utilizes local plant waste. The process is patented, sustainable, and highly efficient. The program will support the launch of pilot projects and commercial growth.


Be.Me produces electrodes for batteries from biopolymers and regenerated carbon, offering a sustainable alternative for energy storage. In post-acceleration, it will focus on building a strategic network with relevant players for co-development and go-to-market.


W3DS valorises waste from the fishing industry by transforming it into regenerated calcium carbonate for screeds, prefabricated elements and 3D mortars. The approach combines technology, upcycling and local identity. The programme will offer the opportunity to validate materials and launch pilot projects with local companies.


The acceleration program will continue until the end of September 2025 and includes a variety of activities: training masterclasses, personalized mentorship, networking sessions, and fundraising support. The projects will be accompanied in the definition of a sustainable growth strategy, in the technical validation of solutions, and in connecting with local industrial partners. The program will culminate in Demo Day on September 24, where all the companies in acceleration and post-acceleration will present their pitches to an audience of investors, companies, and public stakeholders.


The most promising projects will receive a cash prize of up to €12,500, while those at a more advanced stage will have the opportunity to develop a Proof of Concept with local stakeholders, contributing to the development of the circular entrepreneurial ecosystem in Taranto and Puglia. The most deserving projects will thus be guided towards new opportunities for growth, experimentation, and consolidation.


With Taranto CirTech, Tondo confirms its commitment to connecting technology, territory, and sustainability, promoting the emergence of a community-friendly regenerative economy.


The initiative is carried out in partnership with the University of Bari Aldo Moro, the LUM Libera Università Mediterranea “Giuseppe Degennaro,” the University of Foggia, CNR-IRSA Taranto, CIHEAM Bari, ARTI Puglia, CETMA, the Ionian Sea Port System Authority, the Mediterranean Technopole Foundation, Boosting Innovation in PoliBa – BINP, FAROS Accelerator, Eureka! Ventures SGR, Vertis SGR, and UniCredit Start Lab.

Emma Salioni

WIth a degree in Digital content management for media, enterprises and cultural heritage, Emma Salioni has always had a strong interest in sustainability and circularity. After a period of time spent working in The Netherlands, she started working with Tondo managing social media and communication, as well as supporting the organization of hackathons and events.

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