CI-HUB: Accelerating Circular and Green Business Transition in the Danube Region

The CI-HUB (Circular Innovation Hub) project, co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg Danube Region Programme, is driving the circular and green transition of small and medium-sized enterprises across the Danube Region. With a budget exceeding €2.3 million and a partnership of 13 organizations from several European countries, the initiative aims to bridge innovation gaps between less developed and more advanced regions.

The project's main objective is to strengthen the innovation capacity of businesses by providing access to expert knowledge, advanced technologies, demonstration facilities, and specialized circular transition support services. At the core of the initiative is the development of a joint transnational Circular Transition Acceleration Programme built on circular economy principles and Industry 4.0 technologies.

One of the project's key achievements is the B2 Green Hub, a digital ecosystem that connects businesses with experts, technology providers, training resources, and funding opportunities. The platform simplifies the journey from exploration to implementation, helping companies identify the right partners and solutions for their green and digital transformation.

To date, CI-HUB has successfully brought together numerous solution providers, demonstration centers, and business experts into a collaborative network supporting innovation and sustainability. The project delivers training, advisory services, networking opportunities, funding support, and practical tools that help SMEs adopt circular business models and sustainable practices.

Through the development of regional action plans and a shared transnational strategy, CI-HUB lays the foundation for the long-term growth of innovation ecosystems and the wider adoption of circular economy solutions across the Danube Region.