Circular Economy Grand Challenge: Awards Night

Celebrate the winners of the Circular Economy Grand Challenge 2026

Join us on Wednesday 4 November as we announce the winners of this year’s Circular Economy Grand Challenge.

Ten finalist teams of UON students, researchers, alumni and community members have spent the past few months developing ideas to cut waste and keep resources in use. Their ideas range from turning old surfboards into bee watering stations to linking builders’ timber offcuts with local makers.

On the night, we’ll award $36,000 in funding and prizes: three $10,000 grants for teams to build and test their ideas over six months, plus $2,000 each for Best Student Team, Rising Star and People’s Choice.

What’s on

• Watch the winners pitches
• Find out who takes home each award
• Meet the teams and others working on circular economy ideas
• Enjoy free food and drinks

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🚀 Why I2N?

The University of Newcastle's Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) is making the Hunter Region Australia's best ecosystem for startups. By harnessing our region's unique resources and network of innovation hubs, we empower the most promising innovators and entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into high-impact, sustainable global businesses. Through our enterprise skill-building programs and dedicated spaces, I2N is creating the foundation for startups to thrive and driving economic diversity across our region.

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