Applications close this Thursday for the University of Newcastle’s 2025 Circular Economy Grand Challenge, which offers funding and support for people to test new ideas that reduce waste and improve resource efficiency.
The annual Grand Challenge, is run by the University of Newcastle’s entrepreneur and business incubator arm, Integrated Innovation Network (I2N). Unlike many innovation competitions, entrants don’t need technical expertise, years of experience, or a working prototype to apply. The organisers are seeking ideas from anyone based in Australia — whether students, professionals, business owners or concerned citizens. Individuals can submit more than one proposal.
This year, the challenge centres on the question: How can suppliers, partners and consumers shift to circular economy practices that cut waste, improve resource use and support net zero targets?
The most compelling submissions will share in $30,000 in prize money, with winning teams able to access up to $10,000 each to trial their ideas over six months. Proposals can cover new or improved products, services or processes, provided they demonstrate potential to move organisations away from “take, make, dispose” models and towards reuse, repair, refurbishment and recycling.
The University of Newcastle, has placed particular emphasis on circular economy approaches within its own 2025 strategy, which includes reducing institutional carbon emissions. Organisers see the challenge as a way of encouraging fresh thinking, holding companies accountable for their environmental performance, and building practical tools for emissions reporting.
Throughout the challenge, participants will be supported by optional events including workshops, expert panel sessions and mentoring. Teams must have at least two members, with one connected to the university as a student, staff member or alumnus.
Submissions close at 5pm on Thursday 28 August. Finalists will present their solutions in October, with winners announced at the Awards Night on 22 October at the I2N Hub in Honeysuckle.
