Shortlist Announced Ahead of Circular Tech Awards 2026

The Circular Tech Awards celebrate excellence, sustainability and innovation in the secondary smartphone industry. 100 companies and operators trading in Europe submitted over 130 applications with examples of business performance, projects and industry leading accomplishments in the European secondary smartphone sector.

Applications have been shortlisted across 18 categories covering key elements of the circular economy such as recycling, refurbishment and trade in programmes alongside more commercially driven categories including customer service, and use of AI.

“We’ve had a great response from the industry with even more applications coming through compared to last year.” Commented Naz Pirzada, Co-Founder, Circular Tech Awards. “It’s fantastic to see both big names and startups in the mix. The calibre of work and achievements in this year’s shortlist is outstanding.

Applications were reviewed by a judging panel made up of industry veterans, entrepreneurs and senior executives with the top scoring entries shortlisted across the following categories:

 

BUSINESS & OPERATIONS	INNOVATION & PERFORMANCE
Parts Supplier	Circularity Hero
Smartphone Trader	StartUp
Online Marketplace	Industry Business Excellence
Online Retail Smartphone	Use of AI
Diagnostics	RECYCLING, RECOVERY & REFURBISHING
OEM Distributor	Trade in B2B
Distributor up to 500 mill	Trade In Mobile Network
Trading Platform For Used & Refurbished Devices	Trade in Retail
Customer Service	Refurbisher Smartphone
	Recycler Smartphone

Shortlisted companies can be found here > https://www.circulartechawards.com/shortlist/

The Circular Tech Awards take place on 5th September at the JW Marriott Hotel, Berlin.