Knorr-Bremse AG has announced its first foray into green technology with the launch of the Circular Technology Award. The initiative targets startups and small-to-medium enterprises developing solutions in automated disassembly and critical raw materials recovery. The program offers prize money and funding for proof-of-concept projects.
Highlights
- Four winners will each receive €25,000 in prize money, with up to €150,000 available for proof-of-concept implementation with Knorr-Bremse.
- The initiative focuses on AI and robotics-based solutions for automated component disassembly and raw materials recovery from high-tech parts.
- CIRCULAR REPUBLIC, UnternehmerTUM’s circular economy hub, is partnering with Knorr-Bremse and the Heinz Hermann Thiele Family Foundation on the program.
- Application deadline is March 2, 2026, with winners announced May 6, 2026 at the IFAT trade fair.
Award Structure and Funding
The Knorr-Bremse Circular Technology Award was announced at the Handelsblatt Circular Economy 2026 conference in Munich. The program aims to connect the company with European innovators developing circular economy technologies.
Winners receive €25,000 each. Companies selected for proof-of-concept projects with Knorr-Bremse may receive additional funding up to €150,000.
Strategic Rationale
Marc Llistosella, CEO of Knorr-Bremse AG, characterized the initiative as a first step into a new business field. He stated that automated disassembly and recycling technologies are essential for economic resilience and that raw materials recovery presents significant growth potential.
The company, which reported €7.9 billion in revenue in 2024, views green tech investment as aligned with global megatrends including sustainability and digitalization.
Program Partners
Knorr-Bremse is collaborating with the Heinz Hermann Thiele Family Foundation and CIRCULAR REPUBLIC on the initiative. CIRCULAR REPUBLIC operates as the circular economy hub at UnternehmerTUM, Europe’s largest innovation center, which works closely with the Technical University of Munich.
Dr. Matthias Ballweg, CIRCULAR REPUBLIC co-founder, described the award as one of the most substantial startup prizes focused on long-term circular economy promotion.
Jury Composition
The selection committee includes:
- Marc Llistosella – CEO, Knorr-Bremse AG
- Julia Thiele-Schürhoff – Board Member, Heinz Hermann Thiele Family Foundation
- Dr. Erik Eschen – CEO, Vakuumschmelze
- Roland Gauß – Director, EIT Raw Materials
- Prof. Dr.-Ing. Günther Schuh – RWTH Aachen University
- Philipp Rösler – Former Vice-Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs, Germany
Application Information
Applications are open through March 2, 2026. Winners will be announced at IFAT, the international trade fair for water, sewage, waste, and raw materials management, on May 6, 2026.
Additional details are available at: https://www.circular-republic.org/award/
About Knorr-Bremse
Knorr-Bremse (ISIN: DE000KBX1006, ticker symbol: KBX) serves as the global market leader for braking systems and technology solutions in rail and commercial vehicle sectors. The company employs approximately 30,500 people across more than 100 locations in 30 countries.
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