Do you have an innovative idea to help reduce packaging and plastic waste? We need you!
About the challenge
You’re invited to take part in the India Australia Circular Economy Hackathon where in a team you will select an idea to develop, justify and present a solution to one of the four hackathon themes linked to the Circular Economy.
Theme 1: Innovation in packaging reducing packaging waste
Theme 2: Innovation in food supply chains avoiding waste
Theme 3: Creating opportunities for plastics waste reduction
Theme 4: Recycling critical energy metals and e-waste
Your idea can take the form of an app, digital art, a website, a game, 3D models, graphic designs, pure academic research, or any other medium which can be tested and innovated upon.
Each year, 90 billion tonnes of primary materials are extracted and used globally, with only 9 per cent recycled. With the Circular Economy model, we get to enjoy the benefits of safe packaging without damaging the environment.
Circular economy has been identified as a major commercial opportunity and could support the development of new industries and jobs, reducing emissions and increasing efficient use of natural resources.
Applications open: 2 December 2020 Virtual information session: 9 December 2020
Applications close: 8 January 2021
Finalists are notified: During the week of 18 January 2021
Opening ceremony: 8 February 2021
Hackathon: 9 – 10 February 2021
Awards ceremony and winners announced: 15 February 2021 (TBC)
Prizes
What will the winners receive? Pitch your idea to win part of a $52,000 prize pool.
In total the judging panel will select 8 winning teams; four student teams who will win $3,500 (total sum per team), and four start-up/SME teams who will win $9,500 (total sum per team).
Important information
It’s important that you read the below documents before entering your application.
If you’re a university student, start-up or SME based in Australia and can form your own team consisting of 2 – 5 members, you’re eligible to apply!
Get in touch
This hackathon is held in collaboration between Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, Government of India and CSIRO. If you have more questions, check out our FAQs or email i-ace@csiro.au.
