Taking place across 5 countries in South and Southeast Asia, the Circular Innovation Jam is a week-long design thinking sprint that brings innovative minds together to learn about the circular economy and develop new solutions for local waste management and ocean plastic pollution.

Using design-thinking methodology, participants will take part in a structured process to learn more about the issue of ocean plastic pollution and develop solutions that respond to challenge statements developed with our partners related to waste management, recycling, and the circular economy issues in South & Southeast Asia. These solutions will then be showcased to our global Network, with the top ideas receiving up to $5000 USD worth of support (financial and/or technical) for further development from our incubation partners.

Applications are now open! Closing on June 30.

WHY ARE WE RUNNING JAMS?

The issue of ocean plastic pollution is a complex, systemic global issue that is felt locally in South and Southeast Asia, impacting the livelihoods of not only people who work closely with waste but everyday citizens and their industries.

Such complex challenges require diverse mindsets and expertise to solve them. The Circular Innovation Jam offers a platform for rapid collaboration and problem-solving among diverse participants within a local context.

These Jams invite problem-solving by local citizens, not just institutions, and seek to design with the very people who know and interact with the issue.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
The challenge invites individuals and teams over the age of 18 and based in one of the five countries to apply – we are looking for diversity in gender, race, background and types of experiences.
All that is required is an interest in developing solutions to ocean plastic pollution, and a commitment to participate fully throughout the Circular Innovation Jam.

FAQ

I live outside of the 5 listed countries, can I participate?
>> To enhance timezone crossover during the event and provide follow up support to winners after the event, we are only accepting applicants who reside in the local country.
I already have a startup in circularity and waste management, can I still join?
>> Yes! We would love to have you bring your ideas to the Jam and develop it further with The Incubation Network
I already have a team I want to Jam with – how do we sign up?
>> Please have each team member submit an application individually and indicate that you would like to join the Jam with an existing team on the form.
How many people can team up?
>> maximum of 5
Does this event require coding experience or tech knowledge?
>> You do not have to have coding experience to join. We will also provide the necessary training/guidance for virtual tools we will use for the Jam.

*As there are limited spaces, participants are required to apply before receiving confirmation of their place.