The Netherlands has set an ambitious goal: we strive to become fully circular in 2025. Achieving that ambition requires innovation. Not only circular startups, but also key technologies to enable circular innovations in existing markets. By combining BlueCity’s hands-on circular expertise and YES!Delft’s validation and incubation power, the two hubs aim to accelerate that transition by offering innovative founders a seamless path from prototype to pilot to scalable business.

“If we want circular entrepreneurship to scale, we need to bridge the gap between lab and market. This partnership fills a missing piece in the ecosystem while resisting the temptation to add yet another program to an already full startup ecosystem. By joining forces, we’re connecting proven programs, networks and expertise.”
- Sabine Biesheuvel, co-founder and director of BlueCity.

Circular Validation Program: first step in the collaboration

The first step in that collaboration is the Circular Validation Program: a dedicated edition of YES!Delft’s proven Validation Lab that helps early-stage startups test their assumptions in the market, validate customer demand and refine their circular business model before scaling up. BlueCity adds its circular expertise, lab facilities, investors, mentors and partners, all focused on circularity.

“By connecting our startup ecosystem with BlueCity’s circular expertise, we can provide founders with the tools and community they need to turn circular ideas into real-world solutions.”
- Moshe Sijben, Head of Strategic Partnerships at YES!Delft.

The partnership also opens doors for cross-learning between the hubs. BlueCity will bring a circular design perspective into YES!Delft’s community of tech startups, while YES!Delft’s validation expertise helps BlueCity strengthen its support for pilot-stage companies. Together, they aim to make existing tech-startups more aware of the importance of our strategic autonomy, the reliance on critical raw material in their value chains and, most importantly, the opportunities of integrating smart material strategies at an early stage.

Regional collaboration for national and European impact

The collaboration builds on a shared belief that the innovation landscape doesn’t need more programs, but stronger links between existing ones. Together, the two incubators signal a growing collaboration between the Rotterdam and Delft innovation ecosystems – proving that collaboration is the new competition.

“This collaboration perfectly fits South Holland’s ambition to strengthen regional innovation for national and European impact. By connecting hubs like YES!Delft and BlueCity, we create a stronger foundation for the entrepreneurs shaping our future economy.”
- Regional Minister Meindert Stolk of Provincie Zuid-Holland

This partnership is made possible with the support of several ecosystem partners, with special thanks to the Province of South Holland, the first to join this joint initiative. The collaboration is also encouraged by shared partners such as UP!Rotterdam, Rabobank, InnovationQuarter and the Port of Rotterdam.

Applications for the Circular Validation Program are now open. The program starts on January 14, 2026. Learn more and apply via:https://yesdelft.com/events/circular-validation-program/

YES!Delft and BlueCity partner to create a circular program for tech-startups

Scaling circular and tech-driven startups takes more than good ideas: it requires heavy infrastructure, patient capital and strong networks that connect lab innovation to the market. By joining forces, YES!Delft and BlueCity combine those strengths to help founders move faster from lab to market.