REEcover Wins the 2026 Impact Award
At Rocket Day + Impact Award 2026 at Kraftwerk Zurich, eight startups presented their solutions for a more sustainable future. REEcover took home the coveted Impact Award with a technology for recovering rare earth elements from electronic waste—impressing both the jury and the audience.
About 250 guests, eight outstanding startups, and one winner: The Rocket Day + Impact Award 2026 at Kraftwerk Zurich brought together innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. This year’s Impact Award was won by REEcover for its technology that recovers rare earth elements from electronic waste—at a purity comparable to that of new material.
Rare Earth Elements from Electronic Waste
Rare earth elements are key raw materials for numerous future technologies. Today, Europe is largely dependent on imports for its supply of these materials. REEcover has developed a solution to recover these materials from electronic waste, thereby making an important contribution to resource security and the circular economy. With this approach, the company impressed both the jury and the audience alike and secured the 2026 Impact Award. Riverkin took second place, followed by CellX in third place.
Platform for Sustainable Innovation
Rocket Day + Impact Award brings together startups, EBP experts, partner organizations, and decision-makers to highlight sustainable innovations and accelerate their implementation. In 2026, the event once again focused on solutions with a measurable impact on the environment, the economy, and society.
The eight finalist teams first presented their ideas in short pitches before working with EBP experts to further develop their approaches and then presenting them again to the jury and the audience in a final round.
Innovation comes from collaboration
«Every year, Rocket Day demonstrates the potential that arises when entrepreneurial courage, scientific insights, and practical implementation skills come together,» says Oliver Brunschwiler of EBP Ventures. «The solutions presented are inspiring and point to concrete ways to accelerate sustainable development.»
More information: rocketday.ch
