What can you do with the local washed elephant grass, willow, wild gagel and chestnut? Four teams of young professionals have dived into the BlueCity Lab with the Circular Challenge to come up with circular and scalable solutions for these green soil and water improvers. During the final on November 11, they will present their results, including elaborated business cases.

How can we encourage local farmers to grow more regenerative crops that have a positive impact on soil and biodiversity? That’s right, by offering them more interesting applications and business cases for these local crops!

In September 2024, we therefore challenged a new group of young professionals to develop new, circular applications for local fibers and crops in six weeks: elephant grass, willow, wild gagel and chestnut. During the festive final of the Circular Challenge, they present their results and prototypes to an expert jury, which will even choose two winners this year. The two most promising teams win a “Grow NEB Journey” worth €10,000 in guidance and facilities, with which they can further develop their concept within BlueCity and work towards a real startup.

Wondering which future-proof materials and products have developed the bright minds of this edition? Come and see that! Tickets are free, reserve your place quickly via Eventbrite!

The evening will be moderated by Rindert de Groot Leegsma.

The jury

Simone van Es

Klaas Kuitenbrouwer

Emma van der Leest

Ellen Gale