Deadline:
April 04, 2025
Location(s)
Online
Overview
Details
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. In an effort towards making progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption, Net Impact’s Circular Plastics Challenge calls upon innovators, systems-thinkers, and practitioners from all walks of life and levels of study to consider:
2025 Prompt Question Coming Soon.
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.
How it Works
Step 1: Get Started
Download the 2025 Challenge Brief, form your team of 2-4 members, and start ideating your solution!
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 4th, 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!
2025 Program Timeline (Tentative)
- January 2025: Program Launch - Challenge Brief is live
- Week of February 28, 2025: Industry Connections Networking Event
- March 14, 2025: Early Submission Deadline
- April 4, 2025: Final Submission Deadline
- Week of May 26, 2025: Virtual Final Showcase
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
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.
Dates
Deadline: April 04, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
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
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
