CI-Hub Training Academy in Čačak

The CI-Hub Training Academy held in Čačak, Serbia, on 12–13 June 2025, served as a dynamic knowledge-sharing opportunity designed to support regional stakeholders in advancing circular economy practices and digital innovation. Bringing together the CI-Hub consortium of the Danube Region, the academy facilitated hands-on learning, tool demonstrations, and company visits, all focused on enabling a successful circular transition. Tbe objective of the meeting was to build capacity on circular business models and supply chains, demonstrate practival tools for assessing circular readiness and value creation. Moreover to showcase successfiul technology transfer cases in green economy and promote cross-border collaborations in the region.

The main program unfolded over the 2 days, beginning at the Regional Startup Center Čačak, where participants immersed themselves in five key training modules, each tackling a critical aspect of the circular economy ecosystem.

Day 1 – Training Sessions at Regional Startup Center Čačak

The first day featured a robust lineup of expert-led sessions structured into five modules:

1. Circular Transition Performance

   • Participants explored foundational concepts in circular business models and were introduced to a performance assessment tool developed by KARP and bwcon.

   • Practical demonstrations showed how the tool could be applied using the Datamensio platform, making abstract concepts tangible for businesses and innovation hubs.

2. Smart Circular Supply Chains

   • Sessions highlighted how advanced digital tools can support circularity in supply chains.

   • Real-world business cases from Bulgaria and insights into digital twins underscored the intersection of technology and sustainability.

   • Participants learned about a supply chain maturity tool and its practical use cases.

3. Circular Value Creation

   • The module showcased business models focused on waste monetization and value recovery, featuring examples from TUKE and MGFÜ.

   • Innovations like the PVCircle solution for construction waste demonstrated how industry-specific solutions can scale.

   • Attendees gained insight into value creation assessment tools and their application in Datamensio.

4. Technology Transfer in Circular Economy

   • Experts from CUAS, TUCN, and STP MNE provided deep dives into how sustainable technologies can be transferred effectively across regions and sectors.

   • Emphasis was placed on digital readiness and how smart solutions can integrate with existing industrial environments.

5. Client Journey with B2GreenHub

   • The final module presented the full client journey through the Circular Transition Accelerator program, coordinated by PTP.

   • The session closed with a demonstration of the B2GreenHub platform, an integrated digital space for supporting circular transition pathways.

The evening wrapped up with a social dinner, allowing participants to build relationships in a relaxed setting and continue the exchange of ideas.

Day 2 – Study Visits and Applied Learning

On the second day, the focus shifted to practical application through on-site visits at the Science Technology Park Čačak and local innovative companies:

• WPT Energy demonstrated cutting-edge wireless energy transfer technologies for electric vehicle charging—highlighting the convergence of circularity and clean mobility.

• Zamba IP introduced participants to a next-generation air conditioning system that reduces carbon emissions while improving energy efficiency.

• Fragment Inc. showcased their solution for transforming waste glass into decorative concrete, offering a replicable model of circular supply chains in the construction sector.

The day concluded with a coworking seminar led by TUCN on impact assessment methodology, providing tools and frameworks to help participants measure and evaluate the long-term effects of circular transition activities.

Key Outcomes

• Strengthened cross-border collaboration and peer learning across the CIHUB ecosystem.

• Enhanced technical capacity among regional stakeholders through hands-on engagement with assessment tools and digital platforms.

• Broader visibility of regional success stories and technology applications in the circular economy.

• A clearer understanding of client journeys and systemic support through platforms like B2GreenHub.

• Seeds planted for future partnerships, joint initiatives, and replication of successful models across other regions.

The CIHUB Training Academy in Čačak represented a critical step forward in building a skilled, connected, and innovation-driven ecosystem to support Europe’s circular transformation. The momentum generated during the event is expected to fuel follow-up activities and further engagement among participating hubs and stakeholders.