The Circular Innovation Award Austria (CIAA) is a newly established Austrian innovation award recognising companies that create measurable environmental, social and economic value through circular business models, technologies and partnerships.
The award aims to raise the profile of pioneering Austrian companies, showcase best practices and strengthen Austria’s competitiveness and resource efficiency.
Interested organisations can submit their projects in one of five categories until 31 July 2026.
Five Categories for Circular Innovation
Entries may be submitted in the following main categories:
- Circular Industry Innovation: Circular solutions implemented on an industrial scale
- Circular Business Model Innovation: Innovative business models based on circular economy principles
- Technological Circularity Breakthrough: New technologies that advance circularity and material efficiency
- Circular Startup of the Year: Young companies with a circular core business model
- Circular Collaboration Award: Cross-sector partnerships with systemic impact
An international panel of experts will assess the submissions based on criteria including their degree of innovation, environmental impact, economic viability, scalability and contribution to regional value creation.
The Circular Innovation Award Austria is held under the patronage of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management.
Who Can Apply?
The award is open to:
- – Large companies
- – Small and medium-sized enterprises
- – Start-ups
- – Collaborations and cross-sector partnerships
Applicants must demonstrate a clear connection to Austria. The circular value creation must be primarily implemented in Austria or managed from Austria and must have a demonstrable impact on Austrian value chains.
Key Dates
Submission deadline: 31 July 2026
Announcement of the finalists: Early October 2026
Award ceremony: 28 October 2026 at 6:00 p.m., Haus der Industrie, Vienna
Further information on the award categories, assessment criteria and submission process is available on the Circular Innovation Award Austria website.