Join to propose industry-shifting ideas to keep plastics in the economy and out of the environment.
About the Circular Plastics Challenge
We need innovative leaders like you to imagine how we can craft a truly circular economy! Industry-leading companies are eager for fresh, out-of-the-box thinking to push the plastics industry to become more circular, at scale. Net Impact’s Circular Plastics Challenge calls upon innovators, systems-thinkers, and practitioners from all walks of life and levels of study to consider:
How might we develop a business concept that leverages artificial intelligence at any point within the plastics value chain (whether pre-consumer, during consumer use, or post-consumer) in order to maximize circularity throughout the plastic value chain?
Up to five teams will be selected as finalists in the Circular Plastics Challenge. Finalist teams will be paired with a subject matter expert mentor to refine and prepare their presentation ahead of the finals. Finalist teams will present their solution to a panel of expert judges at the virtual Final Showcase event. The first place team will receive the $5,000 USD grand prize, with second and third place teams taking home $2,500 USD and $1,000 USD respectively.
Finalist Benefits
Advance Your Career
Five finalist teams will be paired with a subject matter expert mentor to improve their final pitch ahead of the virtual Final Showcase.
Expand your Network
Present your innovative solution to senior-level executives from the Coca-Cola Company and Hillenbrand, Inc. who are working on designing a more circular economy.
Win Prizes
- First Place: $5,000
- Second Place: $2,500
- Third Place: $1,000
How it Works
Step 1: Get Started
Download the 2025 Challenge Brief, form your team of 2-4 members, and start ideating your solution! Apply by the early-bird deadline on March 14th to get personalized feedback from Net Impact Staff!
Step 2: Grow your Network
Everyone who downloads the Challenge Brief will be invited to an exclusive Industry Connections Networking Event to learn more about careers in sustainability!
Step 3: Submit your solution, become a finalist, and WIN!
Submit your solution addressing the challenge statement. Submissions are due no later than 11:59 pm PT on Friday, April 11th, 2025. Finalist teams will be paired with an expert mentor to refine their final pitch presentation before presenting virtually to a panel of experts to win $5,000!
Eligibility Criteria
- Undergraduate students, graduate students, and professionals from around the world are all welcome to apply.
- Teams must have two to four members. Teams of one are not allowed.
- Existing businesses and startups who are currently worth or raised more than $100,000 in capital are ineligible to participate.
Program Timeline
- January 2025: Program Launch - Challenge Brief is live
- Week of February 24, 2025: Industry Connections Networking Event
- March 14, 2025: Early Submission Deadline (To get personalized feedback from Net Impact staff on your submission)
- April 11, 2025: Final Submission Deadline
- Week of June 9, 2025: Virtual Final Showcase
Time Commitment
If selected, finalist teams will be expected to commit to participating in the virtual Final Showcase in mid June 2025. The event will last approximately two hours and all team members are expected to attend. The final showcase will require approximately six to eight hours of preparation.
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