Circular economy in Lausanne – The new job center is taking shape in Beaulieu

It is “an innovative center for a circular, inclusive and environmentally friendly economy” which has been in place for a few months, according to the terms used by the City of Lausanne. At the Palais de Beaulieu, the part of north halls which bears the number 18 is preparing a “soft opening”, i.e. a pre-opening, for September 30. Called Beaulieu Circulaire, this structure promises to be the first innovation space in Switzerland dedicated to the circular economy. In particular, it brings together Impact Hub Lausanne, the L’Éveil workshop and Mentor Energy, which together intend to form a veritable “laboratory of innovative solutions”.

So who are these actors? The Awakening workshop approaches reintegration and social work from the angle of creativity and the quest for meaning, between art, health, social, spirituality and ecology. Mentor Energy helps young people and seniors, particularly affected by unemployment, to find a job. As for ImpactHubit presents itself as a “catalyst for social innovation” which brings entrepreneurs into contact and provides tools and spaces for work and exchange.

“Beaulieu Circulaire allows us to pool different resources, financial but also skills, time or network, in order to meet the challenge of an ambitious and innovative project.”

Amanda Byrde, co-founder of Impact Hub Lausanne and Geneva

Amanda Byrde, co-founder of Impact Hub Lausanne and Geneva, explains: “With L’Éveil and Mentor Energy, we are collaborating on new approaches to social and professional reintegration in Lausanne. Beaulieu Circulaire allows us to pool different resources, financial but also skills, time or network, in order to meet the challenge of an ambitious and innovative project.”

Indeed, Impact Hub brings together a whole global network of subsidiaries whose purpose is to serve as an incubator for start-ups. “For us, it’s about connecting young companies and investors with a view to their development,” says Amanda Byrde. Our goal is to support individuals and companies that can have a positive impact on society and the climate and accelerate the transition in Switzerland.”

Public and private

This private incubator adds to the entire public ecosystem set up in Switzerland, between universities and the economic world. Thus, Impact Hub finds its income in the rental of coworking spaces, support programs for entrepreneurs and in consulting work within large companies.

In Beaulieu, the new structure begins to operate. We know, for example, that a group of bankers has already toured the premises. And there is room. The 3000 square meters contain rooms whose bars hung on the wall betray the temporary presence of the Ballet Béjart. But there are also about forty containers, forming a small interior village. Enough to accommodate organizations that are committed to the circular economy.

crowd of events

We expect companies such as Ricardo.ch, an urban farm and players in sustainable nutrition, says Amanda Byrde. “Our premises should eventually be teeming with events to facilitate meetings and collaborations of experts of all kinds: it is not only a question of supporting local businesses, but also of participating in the economic ecosystem.”

All that remains is to wait for the first results of this small anthill, which intends to innovate in a job market subject to a context of digital and ecological transition.

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