Institut Cirkulární Ekonomiky

What Institut Cirkulární Ekonomiky does

Institut Cirkulární Ekonomiky (INCIEN), legally Institut cirkulární ekonomiky, z.ú., is a Czech nongovernmental nonprofit research institute and think tank headquartered in Prague (Hybernská 998/4) with a registered office in Brno. Founded over nine years ago and operating under the Czech zapsaný ústav (registered institute) legal form, the organization functions as an independent change broker connecting public, private, and academic sectors around circular economy adoption. It is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Lenka Mynářová, with research led by Benjamin Hague and project coordination distributed across named staff including Eva Ryšavá, Nina Hromádková, Adam Janošec, Jana Vítková, and Karolína Kočendová.

INCIEN's core technology is research and advisory services focused on circular economy policy analysis, material flow analysis, ecodesign, waste analysis, and circular business model development. The service portfolio is organized around four strategic priorities — waste and materials management, construction and buildings, industry and decarbonization, and food and agriculture — and includes waste and circularity analyses (200+ delivered), expert consulting, professional training (1000+ professionals trained), and Think Tank research output (30+ published studies). Notable proprietary assets include the Odpadové a cirkulární analýzy methodology, the Think Tank Platform, governance of the Czech Circular Hotspot (since April 2025 under 'Změna k lepšímu'), and participation in the CirkArena research center initiative.

Revenue is generated through professional services (consulting, analyses, training) and public grants. Grant funding sources include TA ČR's 'Prostředí pro život 2' programme (co-funded with the Ministry of Environment), Interreg Danube Region, Built by Nature, and the Operational Programme for Fair Transformation (OPST). Active multi-year projects include Circular DigiBuild (2024-2026, 18 partners across 13 countries), Ready-4-Ecodesign (SME compliance support), Partnerství pro (16-partner voluntary agreement on low-emission construction), and CirkArena (planned Moravian-Silesian Region research center targeting 2028 operations). Customer segments span central government ministries, municipalities, SMEs, research institutions, and private sector companies across construction, packaging, food, and heavy industry verticals.

Name

Institut Cirkulární Ekonomiky

Legal name

Institut cirkulární ekonomiky, z.ú.

Website

https://incien.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

INCIEN is a Czech nonprofit think tank and registered institute that delivers circular economy research, consulting, and training to businesses, municipalities, and ministries across the Czech Republic. It operates the Czech Circular Hotspot and manages multi-stakeholder projects funded by TA ČR, EU, and Built by Nature.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainability and Circular Economy Consulting

NAICS

Environmental Consulting Services (54162), Other Management Consulting Services (541618)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Education Policy Research Institutes & Think Tanks (EDADADAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Research, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Partnerships (EDADALAK)

Keywords

• Circular economy consulting
• Waste and material analysis
• Sustainability advisory services
• Ecodesign compliance training
• Circular economy research

Headquarters

HQ city

Nove Mesto

HQ country

Czechia

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Consulting and Advisory Services: INCIEN provides expert consulting and waste/circularity analyses to businesses and municipalities, generating revenue through project-based consultancy engagements. The organization acts as an independent broker of change connecting public, private, and academic sectors.
2. Research and Project Grants: INCIEN secures funding from public sources including TA ČR (Technology Agency of the Czech Republic) under the 'Prostředí pro život 2' programme, European funds through Interreg Danube Region, and private foundations such as Built by Nature. The Ready-4-Ecodesign project is explicitly funded by TA ČR and the Ministry of Environment of the Czech Republic.
3. Training and Education Services: INCIEN provides professional training to businesses, public administration, and the professional public, ranging from workshops to long-term ecosystem partnerships. In 2020-2022, INCIEN delivered two editions of an online circular procurement course.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

INCIEN is a Czech nonprofit think tank and research institute that delivers circular economy advisory, research, training, and convening services to businesses, municipalities, and public institutions. Its core offerings comprise waste and circularity analyses, expert consulting, professional training, and Think Tank research, delivered alongside multi-stakeholder projects such as Circular DigiBuild, CirkArena, Ready-4-Ecodesign, Partnerství pro, and Circular Food Futures, and coordinated through the Czech Circular Hotspot platform.

Product overview

Institut Cirkulární Ekonomiky (INCIEN) is a non-governmental non-profit research institute and think tank that has been advancing circular economy principles in the Czech Republic for over 9 years. Rather than a unified software product, INCIEN offers a portfolio of advisory and research services organized around four strategic priorities: waste and materials management, construction and buildings, industry and decarbonization, and food and agriculture. Their core service offerings include waste and circularity analyses, expert consulting, professional training, and research activities. These services are delivered through their Think Tank and the Czech Circular Hotspot platform. INCIEN also manages several major collaborative projects including Circular DigiBuild (digital circular solutions for construction), CirkArena (research center development), Ready-4-Ecodesign (EU legislation compliance support), Partnerství pro (low-emission construction partnership), and Circular Food Futures (food systems transformation). The organization operates as a trusted partner for businesses and public sector entities on their path to circularity, providing expert consultations, community building, and active collaboration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Waste and Circularity Analyses (Odpadové a cirkulární analýzy)

Quantifiable outcome

• 200+ analyses and consultations delivered for companies and municipalities
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

38 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Holcim (Česko)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025Holcim (Česko) participates as a project partner and supplier of low-emission construction materials (cement and concrete) in the Partnerství pro voluntary agreement. The company actively contributes to awareness raising, marketing, and shares its expert know-how in sustainable construction materials.
• Ministerstvo životního prostředí (MŽP / Ministry of Environment of the Czech Republic)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025MŽP acts as an expert guarantor in its designated area of legislation supporting circularity of construction materials through its strategic documents and policies. It contributes to expanding the use of low-emission and recyclable materials in Czech construction and supports innovative solutions.
• Ministerstvo průmyslu a obchodu (MPO / Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025MPO serves as expert guarantor in its designated area of legislation, particularly the Law on Building Information Management. It also acts as a partner in construction, construction products, and support for sustainable and innovative construction.
• Ministerstvo zemědělství (MZe / Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025MZe supports the use of wood through its raw materials policy and sharing of good practice. It is prepared to contribute to dissemination of outputs, share databases, and connect with other actors in the wood-processing chain.
• Nizozemské velvyslanectví v České republice (Netherlands Embassy in the Czech Republic)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025The Netherlands Embassy acts as a bearer and disseminator of good Dutch practice in sustainable development and circular economy within the Partnerství pro initiative.
• Univerzitní centrum energeticky efektivních budov (UCEEB) ČVUTcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025CTU's University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings provides methodological background, shares results from related projects, offers access to its outputs (e.g., pre-demolition audit methodology), and contributes to the quality of the 'krokář' (step-by-step methodology for municipalities).
• Česká podnikatelská rada pro udržitelný rozvoj (CBCSD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025CBCSD operates as an expert partner focused on sustainable buildings based on sustainability principles, and thanks to connections with other innovation-supporting entities in construction, it also serves as a partner in dissemination.
• Obec TrojanoviceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025The municipality of Trojanovice acts as consultants based on experience with implemented or planned projects, including a pilot modular apartment building project.
• Česká rada pro šetrné budovy (CZGBC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025CZGBC acts as an expert partner focused on sustainable buildings based on sustainability principles, with connections to other innovation-supporting entities in the construction sector, and serves as a dissemination partner.
• Národní síť Zdravých měst ČR (NSZM ČR)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025NSZM ČR focuses on replication and dissemination of the Memorandum among municipalities. It identifies municipalities that might be interested in joining the initiative and serves as a mediator between state administration and local governments.
• Výzkumný a vývojový ústav dřevařský (VVÚD)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025VVÚD provides background for technical verification of solutions, revision of the methodology 'krokář', and supports potential certification of wood construction elements.
• Cigler Architekti (Jakub Cigler Architekti)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025Cigler Architekti acts as the expert guarantor for architecture and urbanism, with special emphasis on integrating low-emission materials and sustainable design principles into the design of a model apartment building within the 'krokář' methodology development.
• Šance pro budovy (ŠPB)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025ŠPB contributes its expertise in sustainable construction, legislative orientation, and communication capacity.
• Asociace dodavatelů montovaných domů (ADMD)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025ADMD brings extensive experience in prefabrication, modular construction, and wood utilization in construction, and outreach to the public sector. It effectively connects municipalities with key outputs of the Memorandum through its contacts.
• Obec Žďár nad SázavouminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025The municipality of Žďár nad Sázavou acts as consultants based on experience with implemented or planned projects.
• Městská část Praha 12minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025Prague 12 municipal district acts as consultants based on experience with implemented or planned projects.
• DMC Group (DMCG)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025Associated partner of the agreement.
• Ministerstvo pro místní rozvoj (MMR)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025Associated partner of the agreement.
• Sdružení EPS ČRminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025Associated partner of the agreement.
• CYRKLminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025Associated partner of the agreement — circular economy digital platform.
• SYNERminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025Associated partner of the agreement.
• Konopný klastr (Czech Hemp Cluster)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 October 2025Associated partner of the agreement.
• VUT Brno – Fakulta chemická (FCH VUT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025FCH VUT is a member of the CirkArena project and is responsible for the Design for Recycling work package within Ready-4-Ecodesign. It brings long-term specialization in safe recycling technologies, necessary equipment, and expert know-how. In Ready-4-Ecodesign, it leads the packaging design for recyclability workstream and the RecyClass protocol for evaluating sorting of plastic packaging.
• CBCSD (Česká podnikatelská rada pro udržitelný rozvoj)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025CBCSD serves as the application guarantor for Ready-4-Ecodesign, actively engaging during project implementation and subsequent implementation of specific outputs into practice. CBCSD coordinates the Digital Product Passport work package and is responsible for the education and outreach workstream.
• Vysoká škola báňská – Technická univerzita Ostrava (VŠB-TUO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch and development partner in the CirkArena project consortium. CirkArena aims to establish a European-level scientific and research-development centre for circular economy in the Moravian-Silesian Region.
• České vysoké učení technické v Praze (ČVUT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch and development partner in CirkArena consortium, contributing to research on industrial waste utilization and circular economy transformation.
• Ústav chemických procesů AV ČR, v. v. i.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch and development partner in CirkArena consortium.
• Vysoké učení technické v Brně (VUT Brno)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch and development partner in CirkArena consortium.
• Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve ZlíněminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch and development partner in CirkArena consortium.
• Smart & Open Base for Innovations in European Cities and Regions, z.ú.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation and outreach partner in CirkArena consortium.
• Česká technologická platforma pro udržitelnou chemiiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation and outreach partner in CirkArena consortium.
• Statutární město TřinecminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic sector partner in CirkArena consortium. CirkArena aims to attract attention and talents to Třinec and the Moravian-Silesian Region.
• Regionální rada rozvoje a spolupráce, TřinecminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic sector partner in CirkArena consortium.
• Moravskoslezské inovační centrum Ostrava, a.s. (Moravian-Silesian Innovation Centre Ostrava)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic sector partner in CirkArena consortium.
• Materiálový a metalurgický výzkum s.r.o.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject holder (nositel projektu) of CirkArena. The project is funded through the Operational Programme for Fair Transformation (OPST).
• 18 Consortium Partners across 13 Danube Region CountriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCircular DigiBuild project (Interreg Danube Region, Jan 2024 – Jun 2026) brings together 18 consortium partners from 13 European countries in the Danube region. The project focuses on introducing emerging technologies in circular economy for the construction sector in the Danube region.
• Změna k lepšímu (Change for the Better)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince April 2025, INCIEN has served as the expert body for the Czech Circular Hotspot, which is newly overseen by the 'Změna k lepšímu' initiative.
• WBCSD (World Business Council for Sustainable Development)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCBCSD transfers know-how from WBCSD to the Czech Republic. INCIEN's work aligns with WBCSD frameworks such as Circular Transition Indicators, Packaging Sustainability Assessment, and SPHERE Packaging Sustainability Framework.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Metabolic: Dutch sustainability consulting firm providing circular economy advisory, impact assessment, and systems analysis. Similar consulting/research model to INCIEN's, but with broader international client base and stronger commercial orientation.
• R2Pi: Dutch circular economy transition consultancy supporting companies and governments in circular business model implementation. Directly comparable service offering (advisory, training, research) to INCIEN, though operating primarily in Netherlands/Benelux.
• CYRKL: Czech circular economy digital platform connecting waste producers with recyclers via a marketplace. Associated partner in INCIEN's Partnerství pro initiative and operates in the Czech circular economy ecosystem, but focused on digital marketplace rather than consulting/advisory.

Direct peers

• Circle Economy: Amsterdam-based impact organization operating as a circular economy think tank and consultancy. Publishes the Circularity Gap Report and provides circular economy advisory - directly comparable to INCIEN as a European circular economy think tank with similar service mix.

Broad incumbents

• WBCSD: World Business Council for Sustainable Development, a global CEO-led organization promoting sustainable business. INCIEN's work explicitly aligns with WBCSD frameworks (Circular Transition Indicators, SPHERE), and CBCSD (INCIEN's partner) transfers WBCSD know-how to the Czech Republic.
• Ellen MacArthur Foundation: UK-based global foundation leading circular economy thought leadership, education, and policy advocacy. Substantially larger and better-funded than INCIEN, but addresses the same circular economy knowledge dissemination and policy advisory space at global scale.
• Sitra: Finnish Innovation Fund driving circular economy transition through research, pilots, and policy advisory. Similar public-benefit structure with circular economy focus, but operating nationally in Finland with deeper resources and longer history.
• Closed Loop Partners: US-based investment firm and consultancy building circular economy infrastructure. Operates in similar circular economy advisory space but with investor/financial orientation, providing capital deployment alongside consulting - a different model from INCIEN's pure advisory/think tank approach.

Others

• CzechGlobe: Czech research institution focused on climate change, sustainability, and environmental research under the Czech Academy of Sciences. Provides adjacent environmental research capacity in the Czech Republic but is publicly funded and focused on scientific research rather than policy advisory or consulting.

Regional players

• Greenovate! Europe: European sustainability innovation consultancy coordinating EU-funded projects and policy advisory on circular economy and resource efficiency. Comparable EU project-based funding model and circular economy focus, but operating pan-European rather than nationally in one country.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC-MBVLgfEi5IeLBK6xqbWEQ/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/incien.org
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/institut-cirkul%C3%A1rn%C3%AD-ekonomiky-z-%C3%BA-/?originalSubdomain=cz
• Instagraminstagram.com/incien_org

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Institut Cirkulární Ekonomiky