Circular inNOVA(tion) Program: Phase Two!
Circular inNOVA(tion) is a program dedicated to attracting students with innovative projects to address specific challenges posed by Sociedade Ponto Verde (SPV).
The initiative addresses key challenges for SPV, such as creating a fair pay-as-you-throw system, establishing an “on-demand” waste management system, and encouraging society to reduce waste while promoting better separation.
During the kick-off meeting on November 17th, participants and the SPV team discussed the intricacies of packaging management, presented challenges, and addressed doubts. The teams also engaged in a session on ‘How to make an impactful pitch,’ aiming to captivate the jury’s interest in the potential of their ideas and the chance to advance to the next phase.
Four projects have progressed to the second phase, ongoing until March 2024:
Smart Recycling introduced the Smart Bin, a user-centric container incorporating AI and a delta robot for efficient waste identification and separation. Users are incentivized through the Smart App, ensuring a fast and reliable recycling experience while also encouraging education and behaviour change.
Resíduos na Linha that aims to install mass and volume sensors with RFID technology in existing recycling bins. By collecting individual recycling data, the goal is to implement a Pay-As-You-Throw system.
Bin it to Win it that aims to establish a recycling platform that monitors and celebrates individual and community recycling accomplishments, promoting sustainable practices and community engagement in environmental conservation.
Trash 4 Goods is an innovative platform that promotes electronic waste recycling through gamification, rewarding users for their contributions to the circular economy and creating an engaging and enjoyable recycling experience.
Each selected team has received €1000 to further develop their projects in collaboration with SPV partners. The teams also benefit from dedicated mentoring from NOVA and access to specialized workshops covering critical project development topics.
Stay tuned for more updates!