Circular Economy Grand Challenge: Information Session

The University of Newcastle’s Grand Challenge is an annual initiative aimed at encouraging multi-disciplinary teams to propose and develop potential solutions to complex challenges. The most compelling submissions will share in $30,000 in funds to advance their idea.

This year the Grand Challenge will focus on a complex problem with both local and global significance – the concept of circular economy: minimising waste and maximising resource efficiency.

A Circular Economy moves away from the traditional "take-make-dispose" model, instead emphasising the continuous use of resources by designing products for reuse, repair, refurbishment and recycling. It seeks to reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, and maximise resource efficiency, creating closed-loop systems that extend the life of products and materials.

The University of Newcastle has a particular interest in Circular Economy principles, to reduce it's own carbon emissions in line with the Moving Toward Net Zero outline in it's 2025 Strategy.

At this information session, you'll learn how you can get involved in each stage of the Grand Challenge, including:

• Expert Panel Session: Hear from leading experts in sustainability, design, and resource management.
• Team Formation: Collaborate with like-minded innovators to spark fresh ideas.
• 1st Round Applications: Submit your initial ideas and see if you continue as one of the top 10 finalists.
• Stakeholder Workshop: the top 10 finalists are mentored to better develop their ideas by undertaking stakeholder discovery.
• Pitching Workshop: the top 10 finalist teams are mentored in how to effectively present their solutions.
• Finalist Applications: Put your ideas to the test and compete for a share of 30k in funding.
• Awards Night: Celebrate the most impactful and innovative solutions!

The Grand Challenge is open to all University of Newcastle students, staff, academics, and alumni within Australia, as well as the wider community. It’s a unique opportunity to expand your network, learn valuable skills, and develop creative solutions with real-world impact. Whether you’re an engineer, designer, business student, or simply someone passionate about sustainability, your ideas are welcome.

For more information, please visit the website.

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What is I2N?

The University of Newcastle's Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) is responsible for driving economic diversity and business growth through innovation and entrepreneurship. At its network of innovation hubs, which are home to the Hunter region’s most promising innovators and entrepreneurs, the I2N delivers a range of enterprise skill-building programs that develop ideas into sustainable, global businesses.