Circular Economy Alliance

What Circular Economy Alliance does

Circular Economy Alliance (CEA), operating as C.E.A. CIRCULAR ECONOMY ALLIANCE LTD (HE 413187) in Latsia, Nicosia District, Cyprus, is an online certification and training platform focused exclusively on circular economy education. Founded in 2021 by Dr. Mark Esposito and Chrysostomos Papakyriakou, the company employs 18 people and operates primarily as a self-serve e-learning business, with courses delivered through the Talent LMS learning management system on both mobile and desktop. Its core product is a tiered certification ladder — Certificate of Completion (CoC, €95), Circular Economy Professional (CEP, €385, 4 chapters), Circular Economy Manager (CEM, €745, 8 chapters), and Circular Economy Specialist (CES, €1,085, 12 chapters) — built on a proprietary Circular Economy Body of Knowledge jointly developed with the Circular Economy Research Center (CERC) at École des Ponts Business School in Paris. All certificates are issued digitally by École des Ponts Business School as blockchain-secured verifiable credentials.

CEA's business model combines a self-serve online sales channel for individual professionals with a direct-sales motion for corporate and organizational clients (including ISO and hospitality sector packages). Revenue is generated primarily through one-time course/certification purchases (€95 to €1,085) plus an optional €50 annual certified member renewal, with the enterprise channel adding custom training revenue. The company also participates as a partner in multiple EU Horizon-funded research consortia (CE-IoT, EVEN-CLOSER, SmartShip, Ideal Cities, AISkills4CircularTransition, Shared Green Deal) and has co-founded the Circular Economy Digital Innovation Hub (CE-DIH). Named enterprise relationships include Coca-Cola HBC, which licenses up to five chapters of the Body of Knowledge for its #YouthEmpowered program.

CEA's value proposition rests on three pillars: (i) research-backed content through the CERC/École des Ponts Business School partnership, (ii) academic credibility via certificates issued by a Paris-based grande école, and (iii) a global network of certified professionals and partner organizations spanning EU, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and North America. The company has won the Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Gold (Future of Work) and Silver (Learning and Development) awards and the LearnX Diamond Award in 2023, the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Rising Star Award (Middle East & Cyprus) in 2024, and the ED Falcon Global Rising Ed-Tech Organization of the Year Award in 2025. No external funding rounds, revenue figures, or ownership transactions are disclosed; CEA appears to be a privately held, founder-controlled entity.

Name

Circular Economy Alliance

Legal name

C.E.A. CIRCULAR ECONOMY ALLIANCE LTD

Website

https://circulareconomyalliance.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Circular Economy Alliance is a Cyprus-based online certification and training platform that offers tiered circular economy certifications (Professional, Manager, Specialist) on a Talent LMS, with content co-developed with École des Ponts Business School's CERC and digital certificates issued by the school. It serves individual professionals, corporate clients, and EU research consortia globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Certification & Training

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Professional Licensure & Certification Exam Prep (Bar/CPA/NCLEX/PMP, etc.) (EDAGADAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Project, Process & Quality Certification Prep (PMP, PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma, ITIL) (EDANAIAE)

Keywords

• Circular economy certification
• Sustainability training programs
• Professional certification courses
• Corporate sustainability training
• Online learning platform

Headquarters

HQ city

Nicosia

HQ country

Cyprus

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Professional Certification Programs: CEA generates revenue primarily through the sale of certification bundles and individual courses. Pricing ranges from €95 for a single Certificate of Completion (CoC) to €1,085 for the Circular Economy Specialist (High-Mastery) certification. Revenue is one-time at point of purchase, with an optional annual membership renewal fee of €50 for certified members.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

CEA delivers online certification and training programs in the Circular Economy built on a proprietary research-driven Body of Knowledge co-developed with the Circular Economy Research Center (CERC) at École des Ponts Business School. Learners access pre-recorded, self-paced video courses via the Talent LMS, earn blockchain-secured digital certificates issued by École des Ponts Business School, and can purchase individual courses, tiered certifications (CEP, CEM, CES), corporate training packages, and ISO/hospitality sector solutions.

Product overview

The Circular Economy Alliance offers a portfolio of tiered certification programs at different mastery levels, along with organizational training solutions. The core offering consists of four certification programs delivered through their Talent LMS platform: the Certificate of Completion (CoC) for individual courses, the Circular Economy Professional (CEP) foundational certification, the Circular Economy Manager (CEM) advanced certification, and the Circular Economy Specialist (CES) high-mastery certification. These programs are research-driven and based on the proprietary Circular Economy Body of Knowledge developed jointly with the Circular Economy Research Center (CERC) of École des Ponts Business School. The certifications are delivered entirely online as self-paced courses with pre-recorded video sessions. All certificates are issued digitally through École des Ponts Business School with blockchain-secured verifiable credentials. The portfolio also includes corporate solutions for organizational training and specialized ISO/hospitality solutions, forming a comprehensive end-to-end service portfolio for circular economy education and transformation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Circular Economy Professional (Foundational) / CEP Foundational-level certification program covering 4 chapters with approximately 16 hours of expected learning effort. Open access with no prerequisites required. Priced at €385 (+VAT). Awards the title of Circular Economy Professional upon completion.
• Circular Economy Manager (Advanced) / CEM Advanced-level certification program covering 8 chapters with approximately 30 hours of expected learning effort. Open access with no prerequisites required. Priced at €745. Awards the title of Circular Economy Manager upon completion.
• Circular Economy Specialist (High-Mastery) / CES High-mastery certification program covering 12 chapters with approximately 45 hours of expected learning effort. Priced at €1,085. The program received the Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Gold Award in Future of Work and Silver Award in Learning and Development (2023) and the LearnX Diamond Award as Best Certification Training (Industry Specific, 2023). Awards the title of Circular Economy Specialist upon completion.
• Certificate of Completion (CoC) Individual course certificate covering 1 chapter of the Body of Knowledge with approximately 3 hours of expected learning effort. Open access with no prerequisites required. Priced at €95 (+VAT where applicable). No exam required; certificate issued upon course completion.
• Corporate Solutions Tailored business solutions for organizations seeking to implement circular systems at scale. Develops in-house leaders with expertise to drive a sustainability transition and provides practical, organization-wide impact through customized business solutions with actionable lessons.
• ISO and Hospitality Solutions Specialized solutions for ISO compliance and hospitality sector sustainability, designed to drive sustainable growth and elevate performance for organizations in these sectors.

Quantifiable outcome

• Circular Economy Specialist (High-Mastery) certification awarded the Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Gold Award in Future of Work (2023) and Silver Award in Learning and Development (2023)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and key.

• Coca-Cola HBCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021CEA and Coca-Cola HBC (the world's most sustainable beverage company in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index) signed an agreement of cooperation to develop a long-standing collaboration in the Circular Economy domain. CEA provides up to five chapters of its proprietary Circular Economy Body of Knowledge for use in Coca-Cola HBC's #YouthEmpowered program under its Mission 2025. The program targets vulnerable populations and educationally underserved youth, providing training in business acumen and circular economy skills.
• École des Ponts Business School / Circular Economy Research Center (CERC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEA and CERC jointly developed the Circular Economy Body of Knowledge — a unique research-driven curriculum covering core CE principles, skills, frameworks, tools, practices, and strategies. All CEA certifications are delivered by École des Ponts Business School of Paris, with blockchain-secured digital certificates issued through the school's platform. CEA and CERC collaborate on research projects and the development of cutting-edge education products.
• University of ManchesterkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Alejandro Gallego Schmid, Reader (Associate Professor) in Circular Economy and Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment at the University of Manchester, contributes expertise to CEA's network and body of knowledge. His research focuses on the role of CE in tackling climate change, net-zero solutions, renewable energy systems, and the nexus between CE, digitalization, and AI.
• University College London (UCL)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Teresa Domenech Aparisi, Associate Professor in Industrial Ecology and Circular Economy at UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources, is a CEA network member. She is founding director of the UCL Circular Economy Lab and UCL Plastic Innovation Hub, contributed to the ISO Editorial Team drafting the new family of CE standards (ISO 59000), and regularly engages with the media (BBC, Channel4, Times) and international audiences on CE and industrial decarbonisation.
• Harvard University / Harvard Extension SchoolkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple CEA network members teach at Harvard Extension School, including Lynne Kaye (sustainability educator teaching Applied Circular Economics and Regenerative Economics), Manuel Maqueda (founder of SUPER® teaching Applied Circular Economics), and William O'Brien (Professor of Practice teaching Consulting for Sustainability Capstone). CEA is referenced as a platform for Harvard-affiliated sustainability educators.
• Cranfield UniversitykeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerKen Webster, a Visiting Professor at Cranfield University, is a CEA network member. From 2010 to end 2018 he was Head of Innovation for the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (a circular economy pioneer organization) and authored the book 'The Circular Economy: A Wealth of Flows' (2nd Edition 2017).
• African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) FoundationkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPiotr Barczak, Circular Economy Program Manager at ACEN Foundation and Council Member of the European Environmental Bureau, is a CEA network member. He has over 11 years of experience in CE policy development and chairs networks supporting CE transition across Africa and Europe.
• USDA / USDA Agricultural Research ServicekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEA, in conjunction with École des Ponts Business School, partnered with the USDA Agricultural Research Service to conduct aerial imaging research using light sport aircraft (LSA) as alternative, affordable, and less-polluting aerial-imaging platforms. The project aims to eliminate waste and costs in agriculture and apply circular economy principles to systemic work practices. Jonathan T. Scott served as the CEA project specialist leading this collaboration.
• European Shared Green Deal ConsortiumkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEA is a partner in the European Shared Green Deal (SGD) consortium, funded by the European Commission. The SGD aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. CEA contributes to stimulating behavioral, social, and cultural change across European regions, bridging the gap between economic and environmental interests, policy and business, and citizens and legislators.
• EVEN-CLOSER Project ConsortiumkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEA is a partner in the EVEN-CLOSER (Involvement of less dEVeloped rEgions to streNgthen the CLOSER circular value chain for chips and microelectronics production) consortium. This Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) project has a budget of €14,284,022.79 and aims to strengthen strategic autonomy, sustainability, and resilience in critical semiconductor and microelectronics industries across Europe through circular economy principles.
• CE-IoT Project ConsortiumkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEA is a partner in the CE-IoT (Circular Economy and the Internet of Things) project, funded by the EU HORIZON 2020 MSCA RISE programme with a budget of EUR 1,692,000 over four years (July 2018 – June 2022). The consortium explored how IoT can enable and accelerate the transition from a linear to a Circular Economy, comprising 6 partners including academic institutions and technology companies.
• Ideal Cities Project ConsortiumkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEA supports the Circular Economy Research Centre (CERC) in the Ideal Cities project, funded by the EU Horizon 2020 MSCA RISE action. The project aims to improve urban life quality, monitor and manage resources, and create an inclusive, safe circular Smart City environment. CEA contributes knowledge exchange, dissemination, standardization efforts, and the development of joint training activities.
• SmartShip Project ConsortiumkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEA is a partner in the SmartShip project, which addresses the maritime transport sector's environmental impacts — responsible for over 75% of EU external trade and 13.5% of all EU transportation GHG emissions. The project applies circular economy approaches to reduce the sector's environmental footprint.
• AISkills4CircularTransition ConsortiumkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEA is a partner in the AISkills4CircularTransition project, which develops AI knowledge and skills to support the circular transition of the agri-food sector. The project examines opportunities and threats from new AI-driven business standards and implements a training program on AI and CE within the agri-food industry.
• Circular Economy Digital Innovation Hub (CE-DIH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEA co-founded the CE-DIH, a digital ecosystem connecting stakeholders and offering services, skills, and knowledge to support CE across industries and society. The CE-DIH promotes sustainability and innovation by combining CE and Industry 4.0 perspectives through education and practical cases, extending CE knowledge beyond firms and supply chains to higher education and vocational training.
• Tilad EnvironmentkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerMohammed S. Al Surf, Director of Carbon Department at Tilad Environment, is a CEA network member. Tilad Environment is a sustainability-focused organization in the Middle East, and its director holds a PhD in Sustainable and Green Construction, founded the Sustainability Professionals in Saudi Arabia Network (SPSA) with over 15,000 members, and was named a Top 100 Sustainability Voice in the Middle East in 2024.
• Ecole des Ponts Business School / Circular Economy Research Center (CERC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEA collaborates with CERC for research projects, joint educational product development, knowledge exchange, and standardization efforts. CERC researchers including Jonathan T. Scott, Matthew Greenley, Dr. Hernan Ruiz Ocampo, Vlatka Katusic, Dr. Alessio Franconi, Dr. Walter Stahel, and Dr. Mark Esposito (Chairman of Strategic Foresight Board) contribute to CEA's body of knowledge and research activities.
• AccirculatekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccirculate, a Brussels-based niche consulting firm specialized in Circular Economy and Circular Supply Chains, is represented in CEA's network by Gerhard Kerschbaumer (Partner) and Franco Petocchi (Managing Partner). Both contribute expertise in sustainable industrial development, supply chain management, and CE consulting.
• African Centre for Environmental ProtectionkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerKaine Chinwah, Chairperson of the African Centre for Environmental Protection, is a CEA network member. The organization designs and implements strategic capacity-building programs focused on STEM education, environmental awareness, sustainable development, circular economy, research to commercialization, entrepreneurship and leadership.
• Circular RegionskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCynthia Reynolds, Founder and Systems Architect of Circular Regions (a cross-sector, multi-stakeholder data-driven platform designed to activate circular ecosystems), is a CEA network member. Circular Regions bridges top-down and bottom-up approaches through digitized living circular case studies.
• Circular Economy CoalitionkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCynthia Reynolds is Convener of the Circular Economy Coalition, an international coalition of value-aligned individuals and organizations with Founding Members in over 20 countries, collectively advancing the circular economy through shared tools and resources. The Coalition connects Research & Academia, Third & Private Sectors, and Public & Financial Sectors.
• REXUS / European Circular Economy Stakeholder PlatformkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCynthia Reynolds is an active member of the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform Leadership Groups, contributing to Economic Incentives, Network Governance, Cities & Regions, Biodiversity, and Social Enterprise working groups.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA): UK-based membership body offering environmental and sustainability training and certifications (e.g., IEMA Foundation Certificate). Comparable to CEA as a recognized credentialing body for environmental/sustainability professionals globally.
• International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP): Professional membership body offering the Sustainability Excellence Associate credential and related sustainability certifications. Directly comparable as a sustainability-focused professional certification body serving individual practitioners and corporate members.
• GRI (Global Reporting Initiative): Global standards organization offering sustainability reporting training and the GRI Professional Certification. Comparable to CEA as a sustainability-focused certification provider targeting professionals who need credentials to demonstrate ESG/sustainability reporting competence.
• Udacity: Online learning platform specializing in industry-recognized nanodegree and certification programs. Comparable to CEA as a credentialed, self-paced professional certification provider serving career-advancing learners.
• Green Building Council / LEED credentials: U.S. Green Building Council offers LEED Green Associate and LEED AP professional credentials with sustainability content. Comparable to CEA as a tiered, sustainability-focused professional certification with industry-recognized credentials and corporate training.

Broad incumbents

• Coursera: Global online learning platform offering professional certifications and credentialed programs from universities and companies. Coursera is directly referenced as a CEA distribution partner and competes for the same individual professional certification buyer, but at far broader scope across thousands of subjects.
• LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn's enterprise and individual learning platform offering thousands of courses with completion certificates. Comparable as a professional development and certification provider competing for the same corporate L&D budgets that CEA targets with its organizational solutions.
• edX: University-backed online learning platform offering professional certificates, MicroMasters, and executive education. Comparable to CEA as a credentialed online learning destination for working professionals pursuing career-advancing certifications.

Others

• Ellen MacArthur Foundation: Leading global circular economy thought leadership organization offering free educational content, courses, and the CE100 corporate learning program. Comparable as a circular economy educator and content publisher, though non-commercial; represents both a content inspiration and a free substitute for CEA's paid courses.

Emerging players

• Terranova Worldwide Film Corporation / Sustainability Training: Sustainability and ESG training provider offering corporate programs and individual certifications. Comparable to CEA as an emerging sustainability training provider targeting both professionals and corporate sustainability teams with certification products.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cealliance_
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCV5FgHTeMEvA2Mb5akBPYog
• Facebookfacebook.com/CircularEconomyAlliance
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/circulareconomyalliance
• Instagraminstagram.com/circulareconomyalliance

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Circular Economy Alliance