SDR Flanders and CAPTURE launch CIRE

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 more than technology alone. It depends on access to expertise, collaboration across the value chain, and a supportive innovation ecosystem.

CIRE helps bridge this gap by connecting the right stakeholders to bring innovations into industrial practice.

From innovation to industrial application

CIRE aims to stimulate new collaborations while strengthening existing partnerships  between companies, technology developers, research institutions, and other stakeholders. 

The network will help identify opportunities for joint innovation, facilitate knowledge exchange, and support the development of new circular value chains.

By connecting industrial needs with technological expertise and research capabilities, CIRE will help accelerate the adoption and scaling of cleantech and circular solutions 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 between research institutes and industry, CAPTURE develops innovative solutions for a more sustainable industrial future.

By combining these complementary capabilities, both organisations aim to foster new collaborations and create opportunities for impactful projects throughout Flanders.

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, 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. 

The network will support the development of new circular value chains, help accelerate the transfer of knowledge into practice, and create favorable conditions for the industrial-scale deployment of innovative solutions.

By fostering collaboration between industry, technology developers, and knowledge institutions, CIRE aims to help turn promising innovations into tangible economic and environmental impact.

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 developing CIRE. This includes engaging new partners, further developing refining the network’s activities and governance, and preparing its first initiatives.

The CIRE network is expected to be officially launched in 2027 as an open, Flanders-wide platform where companies, research institutions, and other stakeholders collaborate to accelerate the scaling of cleantech and circular innovations. The initiative will run for a total of three years.