On 9 December 2025, two workshops aimed at start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises were held at the Primorski tehnološki park in Vrtojba, Slovenia, as part of a cross-border training programme of the Circular.Buildings project of the Interreg Italy-Slovenia Programme, which involves the organisation of workshops with identical content on both sides of the border between Italy and Slovenia.
The two events, also designed for companies outside the construction sector, addressed key issues for the development of innovative and sustainable solutions, highlighting the concrete implications for the daily work of SMEs and start-ups.
Zero-carbon buildings and circular approach
In the morning, the workshop ‘How to design and construct zero-carbon buildings with a circular approach’ was held, bringing together 12 representatives from SMEs and start-ups, including those from sectors other than traditional construction.
After an initial informal networking session, which provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and get to know each other, the Circular. Buildings initiative was presented, focusing on the results already achieved and on activities supporting businesses in adopting innovative and sustainable solutions.
The workshop explored the topic of zero emissions throughout the entire life cycle of a building: from the choice of materials and design to the use, dismantling and reuse of components. Particular attention was paid to the role that companies from different sectors can play in the circular economy applied to construction, highlighting business opportunities in the fields of digital solutions, logistics, energy and design.
In the practical part, participants explored how their companies can contribute to the development of zero-emission buildings and how to participate in the pilot phase of the Circular.Buildings project.
BIM as a driver of innovation for businesses
In the afternoon, a workshop entitled ‘BIM: Advantages and prospects for businesses’ was held, dedicated to SMEs and start-ups interested in understanding Building Information Modelling as a strategic tool for digital transformation.
The meeting presented BIM not only as a technology for the construction sector, but also as a platform for digital collaboration and the development of new business models, which is also useful for companies active in services, software, energy and process management. The role of the Circular.Buildings project in supporting companies wishing to embrace these innovations was reiterated.
The central part of the workshop focused on the practical use of BIM throughout the building lifecycle, highlighting key issues for SMEs such as modularity, data reuse and digital collaboration. The discussion highlighted how companies from different sectors can fit into the BIM ecosystem by developing high value-added products and services.
A day full of ideas for start-ups and SMEs
Together, the two workshops demonstrated that circular approaches, zero-emission buildings and BIM represent concrete strategic opportunities for start-ups and SMEs that want to innovate and grow in a sustainable way. At the same time, the need emerged, especially for younger companies, to find a balance between European policies and the development of solutions that are truly demanded by the market.
Participants ended the day with new ideas, contacts and a broader view of the possibilities for collaboration in an increasingly circular and digital entrepreneurial ecosystem.
For information and to participate in the activities, please write to: circular.buildings@ecipa.eu
