The HOOP project has provided Project Development Assistance (PDA) to eight lighthouse cities and regions, supporting them with the development of large-scale urban circular bioeconomy initiatives that focus on making bio-based products from urban biowaste and wastewater.

The novel PDA methodology developed by HOOP partners succeeded in unlocking over EUR 110 million in investments. During this process, partners developed a suite of open-source tools to assist cities and regions as they launch urban circular bioeconomy projects:

• Urban Circular Bioeconomy Hub: an online platform that hosts all the HOOP tools presented in this toolkit, as well as additional interesting resources and services.
• Circularity Label: an instrument to understand the current performance of a city/region regarding the implementation of bio-circular measures.
• Circular Valuation Method: a clear and simple method enabling companies and public bodies to assess whether circular projects are financially attractive.
• Project Maturity Level: a standard guidance and ranking tool to evaluate the maturity and bankability of urban circular bioeconomy projects.
• Virtual Academy: provides information on the implementation of Urban Circular Bioeconomy solutions by compiling relevant resources such as handbooks, manuals, factsheets and videos.
• Expert Support: to help further the urban bioeconomy, stakeholders can request technical, financial or procurement support from HOOP experts.