Do you have an idea that will help products remain in use? Does your idea help advance processes like maintenance, resource use efficiency, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, or composting? Do you want to help Armenia become more sustainable? Do you want to contribute to the development of the Armenian economy? Then the Circulathon is for you!
Join us for an exciting two-day event dedicated to fostering innovation and sustainable solutions! The Circulathon is a dynamic hackathon focused on the theme of circular economy, where participants will come together to develop groundbreaking ideas that can transform societal challenges into circular business opportunities.
To learn more about Circular Economy, you can check out “From “Take-Make-Waste” to Circular Economy: Paving the Path to a Sustainable Future.” This is a guideline that will help you explore, understand, and assess strategies towards a circular economy in your idea or startup.
The Armenian Circular Economy Coalition, university students, innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and citizens from diverse backgrounds will be brought together for this event. The goal? To co-create solutions that advance a circular economy in Armenia.
Similar to a traditional hackathon, the circulathon will focus on generating solutions for circular economy challenges faced in Armenia today.
What is Circular Economy?
Circular economy is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. In a circular economy, products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting. In it, living, biological, technical and financial resources are maintained and kept in use at their highest societal value at all times.
Why Participate
Circulathon is more than just an event—it’s an opportunity to make a tangible difference in Armenia’s sustainability and economic development. By bringing together a diverse group of participants, Circulathon fosters innovation and collaboration to address real-world challenges.
Join us to help shape a more sustainable future for Armenia while gaining valuable experience and the chance to secure funding for your innovative ideas.
Examples of Challenges to Tackle
- Designing products with materials that can be reused and/or recycled: don’t forget about packaging.
- Developing or reorganizing the production process with less resource use: think about how to save resources.
- Designing your product with waste use: give waste a second life.
- Creating business models that give your product a “long life.” Focus on reducing waste generation.
- Innovating in the areas of circular textile, food, and beyond: think creatively to bring innovation and green products to the market.
- Bring strategic approaches or examples of sustainable ecotourism: minimize the impact of tourism on the environment, including waste, pollution, and CO2 emissions.
- Foster the circular behavior and thinking among the population: provide your vote to the circular revolution in Armenia.
Note: These are just examples but we encourage you to create your own amazing and innovative solutions!
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants can apply individually or as part of a team. Teams can consist of 3-7 members.
- If applying individually, participants will be grouped into teams by the event organizers.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit.
- No specific educational background is required, but relevant experience in sustainability, environment, business, technology, or related fields is beneficial.
Benefits of Participation
- Gain valuable skills and knowledge in circular economy business models.
- Network with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and peers.
- Compete for seed funding and access to mentorship programs.
- Contribute to real-world sustainable solutions.
Circulathon participants will have the opportunity to:
- Ideate and kickstart their circular startups
- Make important industry connections
- Join an ecosystem of innovative changemakers and entrepreneurs
Registration Process
- Fill in the application form below.
- Submit a 1-minute video discussing your idea.
- Deadline for registration: October 9, 2024
- The event will take place on October 19-20․
Logistics
- Accommodation and transportation provided for participants from outside Yerevan.
- Meals catered during the event.
Join us for an unforgettable weekend of learning, innovation, and collaboration!
Register Now to Secure Your Spot:
Follow us on social media for updates and insights from the event, as well as follow the hashtag #CirculathonArmenia
Circulathon is part of the CirculUP! project which is led by the Impact Hub Network, Impact Hub Yerevan, and the Environment and Health NGO – funded by the European Union in Armenia.