15 Dec 2025
The GoZero Programme, The Climate and Circularity Accelerator powered by MedWaves under The Switchers Support Programme, recently held two intensive Bootcamps focused on driving circular, low-carbon transitions in the Mediterranean’s textile and agri-food sectors. These events gathered forward-thinking SMEs from six Mediterranean countries for hands-on learning, strategic planning, and peer-to-peer networking.
Textile Innovation Takes Center Stage in Tunis
From November 4th to 6th, 2025, our Green Entrepreneurship Area team and partner inèdit co-organized a powerful three-day Bootcamp in Tunis dedicated to the Textile Sector. 16 SMEs representatives from Lebanon, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan and Spain, leading the charge in sustainability and decarbonization, participated in inspiring keynotes, pitches, and interactive sessions, including a very immersive site visit to Soretex Tunisie. The energy and creativity displayed highlighted a strong commitment to pioneering circular textile solutions across the region.
"The most valuable insight was realizing that small, actionable changes in material use and waste management can immediately reduce our environmental footprint while also creating operational efficiency " said Mariam Attia, founder of Knitwear Manufacturing, Tunisia.
Food Sector Leaders Meet in Barcelona
During the last week of November (precisely on 25th–27th, 2025), attention shifted to the Food Sector as 12 Mediterranean SMEs convened at Port Olímpic de Barcelona. This immersive journey centered on decarbonization through circular economy practices.
The SMEs defined their sustainability vision in order to be able in the future to build their own Action Plan and Roadmap. Ecodesign sessions provided essential context, reviewing European regulations and exploring the latest trends in circular business models, including a site visit to Espigoladores and Cooperativa Alternativa 3, strong examples of social and circular innovation. The three days were critical in outlining concrete strategies to reduce emissions and strengthen business resilience.
"Adopting a full valorization strategy for by-products, especially transforming all carob residues into high-value products such as animal feed and soil enhancers, stood out as the most impactful circular action to drastically cut our emissions while creating new revenue streams" confessed Georges Youssef founder of Agro Cedrus, Lebanon.
Ready for the Next Round
These highly successful Bootcamps officially reached almost the mid-way of the programme’s first edition. Starting from February 2026, SMEs will benefit from follow-up sessions with their mentors on month 3, 6 and 12. The momentum generated in Tunis and Barcelona, confirms that Mediterranean SMEs are ready to lead the transition toward a low-carbon, circular economy, turning environmental challenges into strategic business opportunities.
Don’t miss the next opportunity! Given the high impact of this pioneering edition, we are excited to announce that a second round of the GoZero Programme will be launched in 2026.
Keep an eye on MedWaves‘ call for applications—your green startup might be the next one benefiting from the GoZero Programme’s expertise and resources.