Cycle X has secured first place in the Climate Leaders Program, an initiative by YLF, following strong competition that included more than 450 startups working in climate and
Cycle X has secured first place in the Climate Leaders Program, an initiative by YLF, following strong competition that included more than 450 startups working in climate and sustainability sectors.
The achievement reflects the rapid growth of Cycle X, an Alexandria-based Egyptian startup specializing in the collection and management of non-hazardous solid waste from households and businesses, and redirecting it into value-generating streams based on circular economy and recycling principles.
Edafa Ventures, a venture capital firm, has led the development of Cycle X as part of its broader support for startups operating in sustainable sectors.
Edafa Ventures, the owner of the Startup SYNC platform, also facilitated the acquisition of Cycle X in the second half of last year through an undisclosed six-figure investment deal, in line with its growing focus on sustainability-driven investments in the Egyptian market.
This acquisition helped Cycle X—through Edafa Ventures—enhance its operational and technical capabilities, support expansion plans, and develop more efficient waste management solutions.
Cycle X stated that the win was the result of a collective effort by its team, which successfully transformed the idea into a scalable operational model, emphasizing that this milestone marks the beginning of a new phase of expansion and increased market impact.
The company also extended its appreciation to its supporting partners, including Cairo Governorate, WE, the Youth Leaders Organization, the Ministry of Social Solidarity, the Ministry of Environment, and Edafa Ventures, recognizing their continued support and belief in the project throughout its development journey.
Cycle X offers an innovative waste management model focused on collecting non-hazardous waste from various sources and redirecting it into economically viable channels, contributing to reduced environmental impact and stronger sustainability practices within communities.
The company aims to scale its solutions across households and businesses, promoting a model that transforms everyday waste into an economic resource.
The recognition comes as part of the YLF Climate Leaders Program, aligned with Egypt Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and supporting green investments and youth empowerment initiatives.
The program aims to support startups offering innovative solutions to climate and environmental challenges by providing a nurturing environment for development, raising climate awareness, and enabling impactful community initiatives.
It also seeks to empower young entrepreneurs to develop sustainable solutions and contribute to building a more resilient economy in the face of environmental challenges.
The program’s closing ceremony witnessed a highly energetic atmosphere, reflecting the culmination of a full season of work and experimentation, where participants presented their projects before the jury panel ahead of announcing the winners.
The Climate Leaders Program is one of the initiatives supporting youth-led ideas, startups, and student activities addressing environmental challenges.
It is held under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Social Solidarity, in collaboration with the National Council for Women, and with Telecom Egypt as the main partner.
Cycle X confirmed that the upcoming phase will focus on further expansion and strengthening its role in the waste management sector, reinforcing its vision of transforming waste into sustainable economic value, while marking this win as the beginning of a larger growth and impact journey in the Egyptian market.
