Innovation Stage
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 to
Thursday, March 13, 2025
The program of the Innovation Stage
Thursday, March 13, 2025
09:30 - 09:35 a.m.
Welcome & Opening
09:30 - 09:35 a.m.
Welcome and impulse for the day
Format: Opening
Session: Opening & Welcome
Language: English
Speaker
Marc Semmler
Moderator
09:35 - 11:00 a.m.
Circular Valley Demo Day
09:35 - 09:40 a.m.
Opening Circular Valley DemoDay Batch #8
Format: Opening
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
Speaker
Andreas Mucke
Managing Director
Circular Valley / Circular Economy Accelerator
Lecture information
TBA
09:40 - 09:44 a.m.
PragmaCharge offers comprehensive end-to-end solutions to help fleet owners and logistic providers switch from diesel to electric trucks.
Format: Pitch
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
Speaker
Jeffrey Lu
Programme Manager
PragmaCharge
Lecture information
PragmaCharge is a leading provider of heavy-duty commercial fleet electrification solutions, offering a full suite of services designed to support logistics operators in transitioning to sustainable, battery-electric truck (BET) operations. Our end-to-end solutions include fleet electrification analysis, vehicle and infrastructure deployment, and advanced energy management software. With a strong track record in developing heavy-duty electric truck charging infrastructure, PragmaCharge partners with logistics leaders to enable a seamless and cost-effective transition to zero-emission transport.
09:44 - 09:48 a.m.
fainin - sustainability on employee level, because Sharing is the new Owning
Format: Pitch
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
Speaker
Maximilian Lehmann
CEO
fainin GmbH
Lecture information
fainin is revolutionizing corporate sustainability strategies and employee engagement with its B2B sharing solution, 2SHARE. With a customized peer-to-peer sharing marketplace, fainin enables employees to securely share items within their organization. This fosters a sense of community and actively contributes to corporate sustainability efforts by reducing unnecessary consumption.
09:48 - 09:52 a.m.
Protecting Crops While Powering the Future
Format: Pitch
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
Speaker
Oriol Sánchez García
CEO and Founder
Folgrid Technologies SL
Lecture information
Our innovative technology uses special lenses to gently diffuse sunlight beneath solar panels, protecting crops from extreme heat while still generating clean energy. This allows farmers to grow more food while mitigating the impacts of climate change. Our solution is simple, sustainable, and designed to support a more resilient food system.
09:52 - 09:56 a.m.
Strategic Energy Decisions Ahead? Ask the "What-If-Machine"!
Format: Pitch
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
Speaker
Jan-Eric Wörheide
Managing Director
Volterica GmbH
Lecture information
As industrial energy systems become increasingly complex, energy managers and planning engineers struggle to manage and design them effectively with traditional tools like Excel. We show how our "What-If Engine" enables them to quickly analyze questions and ideas, explore future scenarios and investment plans, and find cost-effective pathways to decarbonization. All built on an AI-driven, peer-reviewed methodology from cutting-edge research.
09:56 - 10:00 a.m.
Circular Library Network
Format: Pitch
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
Speaker
Anna De Matos
CEO
Circular Library Network
Lecture information
Circular Library Network (CLN) enables seamless sharing within communities by providing the necessary infrastructure. Our platform includes inventory management software, hardware to transform any cabinet into a sharing station, and a dedicated community space for project operators.
10:00 - 10:04 a.m.
Renewable Feedstock for the Chemical Industry
Format: Pitch
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
Speaker
Max Krause
Founder
Simplyfined
Lecture information
Renewable and regional: Simplyfined´s novel catalytic process enables plant oils of any source as feedstock for the chemical industry. The reduction of your Scope 3 Emissions might be growing just around the corner and Simplyfined makes it happen.
10:04 - 10:08 a.m.
Innovating Sustainable Ecosystems for the Next Generation of Photovoltaic Technology
Format: Pitch
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
10:08 - 10:12 a.m.
Decarbonizing Materials through Natural Material Engineering
Format: Pitch
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
Speaker
Sunil Munusamy
Director
Midwest Composites
Lecture information
Midwest Composites helps their customers decarbonize the materials in the products by replacing synthetic materials with renewable and plant-based materials that are light-weight, high-performance, durable and most importantly reduces the carbon emissions of the product by 75%.
10:12 - 10:16 a.m.
NAMALAB Sustainable Superabsorbent Biomaterials
Format: Pitch
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
Speaker
Fernando André Holguín Ochoa
CTO
Namalab
Lecture information
Namalab is tackling plastic pollution with NamaSAP, a sustainable, plant-based, and fully biodegradable alternative to synthetic superabsorbent polymers (SAP). With applications in hygiene, agriculture, and food packaging, NamaSAP offers high performance without a green premium. Targeting the $12B SAP market, Namalab operates a B2B model with distributors and manufacturers, while also licensing its patented technology. Backed by strong industry partnerships, the company is preparing for pre-commercial pilots and scaling production, aiming for mass market entry by 2026.
10:16 - 10:20 a.m.
Vlastic - 100% circular
Format: Pitch
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
Speaker
Laura Willems
Co-Founder
Vlastic
Lecture information
Vlastic is a 100% circular, CO2-negative biomaterial made from flax waste, offering a possible healthy alternative to harmful foamed plastics like PUR and EPS.Produced without binders, it ensures full circularity and adaptable finishes for versatile applications.
10:20 - 10:24 a.m.
Circelec: Recyclable and compostable electronics for the circular economy
Format: Pitch
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
Speaker
Dr. James Bourely
Co-founder and CEO
Circelec
Lecture information
More than 4 million tons of printed circuit boards (PCBs) will become electronic waste globally this year, with most being non-recyclable. Current PCB production relies on harmful chemicals and non-biodegradable materials, contributing to severe environmental challenges. Circelec addresses this issue by creating recyclable and compostable circuit boards, fostering a sustainable circular economy.
With its patent pending technology, Circelec uses innovative additive manufacturing to produce cost-effective, eco-friendly RFID tags and PCBs. Initially targeting the $10B RFID market (11% CAGR), Circelec will expand to the $100B PCB market with more complex circuit board solutions.
10:24 - 10:28 a.m.
ChemSmog B2B Marketplace for Repurposing Underutilized Chemical Inventories
Format: Pitch
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
Speaker
Tom Schoffelen
General Manager
ChemSmog
Lecture information
The chemical industry struggles with surplus, expired, or underutilized materials, leading to waste, financial losses, and environmental harm.
ChemSmog is a B2B marketplace that gives new life to chemical inventories, turning them into valuable resources.
You only pay for success! Our no-cure-no-pay, digital and data-driven approach model helps sellers generate cash flow while giving buyers access to affordable, sustainable materials.
By reducing waste and CO2 emissions, ChemSmog drives a circular economy and fosters a greener, more sustainable chemical industry.
10:28 - 10:32 a.m.
Transforming Textile Waste Into Sustainable Packaging Solutions
Format: Pitch
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
Speaker
Ayush Khandelwal
CEO
Paper Earth
Lecture information
Paper earth upcycle textile waste into premium paper packaging paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
10:32 - 10:36 a.m.
From Grease to Green
Format: Pitch
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
Speaker
Sabrine Chennaoui
CEO
MONSAPO
Lecture information
Monsapo revolutionizes sustainable cleaning by transforming used cooking oil into high-quality, eco-friendly cleaning products. Our deeptech solution combines chemistry, automation, and AI to help businesses reduce waste, cut costs, and enhance sustainability. By offering a circular alternative to palm oil-based surfactants, we help hotels and restaurants lower their environmental impact while maintaining top-tier hygiene standards.
10:36 - 10:40 a.m.
Boosting Supply Chain Transparency with AI-powered Computer Vision
Format: Pitch
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
Speaker
Nikhita Bhagwat
Founder
Trashify Tech
Lecture information
Trashify leverages AI and computer vision to transform supply chain transparency. By automating data collection and analysis, the technology provides real-time insights into operations, significantly improving efficiency and accuracy across industries. This approach not only enhances decision-making but also supports sustainable practices by optimizing resource management and reducing waste. The solutions are adaptable to various industrial settings, proving essential for companies aiming to move faster towards a circular economy.
10:40 - 10:44 a.m.
Global Circular Economy for Neoprene pre and post consumer waste
Format: Pitch
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
Speaker
Prof. Peter Palmer
Co Founder
Circular Flow
Lecture information
Circular Flow are building the global solution to neoprene pre and post consumer waste.
Why Neoprene is made with non renewable resources, is highly toxic when discarded, and there is no at scale solution to deal with over 20,000 tonnes of waste - just from the wetsuit industry. We can 10x this with automotive scrap neoprene.
What we do is to recycle, via a solar powered, zero waste factory process, the scrap to create new consumer and business to business products that can at end of their life/use be returned to circular flow and be recycled again, again and again..
10:44 - 11:00 a.m.
Presentation of Participation Certificates and Group Photo
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
09:45 - 11:00 a.m.
The Circular Valley Badge #8 Start Ups will present solutions to "Grow the Economy – Protect the Environment"
Format: Pitch
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
10:50 - 10:55 a.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
10:55 - 11:00 a.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Circular Valley Demo Day
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Theme block: Industrieverband Büro und Arbeitswelt e.V. (IBA)
11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Panel Discussion "Circular Furniture - von der Theorie zur Praxis"
Format: Panel discussion
Session: Theme block
Language: German
Speaker
Volker Weßels
Head of Sustainability
Industrieverband Büro und Arbeitswelt e.V. (IBA)
Jan Jäck
Laboratory manager
Interstuhl Büromöbel GmbH & Co.KG
Jürgen Jordan
Key Account Management
WINI Büromöbel
Alexander Walter
Property management consultant
Deutsche Bahn AG
Elke Sondermann
Editor-in-Chief
Verlag Chmielorz, WLLnews, C.ebra
Lecture information
Hersteller, Handel und Einkäufer diskutieren die Herausforderungen auf dem Weg zu einer nachhaltigen Kreislaufwirtschaft bei Büromöbeln.
11:45 a.m. - 01:00 p.m.
Circular Economy best practise
11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Innovation for more circularity - re-use and re-cycling of timber-concrete-composite systems
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Economy best practise
Language: English
Speaker
Dr. Jan Wenker
Group Director Sustainability & Innovation
Brüninghoff GmbH & Co. KG
Lecture information
Timber-concrete-composite (TCC) elements show a low carbon footprint due to the reduced use of concrete. To give the established TCC elements a second life cycle, innovative product development has now made them completely dismantable and therefore circular ready. This allows both, the complete element to be reused and the wood and concrete to be recycled separately.
12:00 - 12:15 p.m.
Circular Economy in Flanders
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Economy best practise
Language: English
Speaker
Brigitte Mouligneau
Transition Manager
Circular Flanders, OVAM
Lecture information
Circular Flanders is the hub and the inspiration for the Flemish circular economy. It is a partnership of governments, companies, civil society, and the knowledge community that will take action together. We have a common roadmap on 7 thematic agendas. Different expertgroups work on levers solving legal barriers, working on public procurement, finance, jobs...
12:15 - 12:30 p.m.
Global Alliances and Trust: The Cornerstones of a Worldwide Circular Economy in a VUCA World
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Economy best practise
Language: English
Speaker
Ljubisav Matejevic
Group CEO
InPerson Group
Lecture information
In a world shaped by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA), the transition to a circular economy requires more than innovative ideas—it demands global alliances that excel in communication, collaboration, and coordination. At the Circular Valley Convention in Düsseldorf, this lecture will explore how to build and sustain impactful partnerships that drive the circular economy while navigating the challenges of the VUCA landscape.
12:30 - 12:45 p.m.
Digitalisation of the circular economy
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Economy best practise
Language: English
Speaker
Thomas Krämer
Global Account Manager Productmarking | Lasersystems
Wipotec GmbH
Lecture information
Sustainability is a key goal for some, while others focus on data collection for more efficient operations. Regardless of the motivation, more companies are adopting refillables and tracking their life cycle. Each item receives a unique marking, ensuring transparency in circulation, consumption, and demand. We’ll take the beverage industry as an example to explore the technology behind this innovation. We’ll show how it benefits bottle manufacturers, beverage producers, and bottlers – highlighted through our award-winning use case with Coca-Cola.
12:45 - 01:00 p.m.
How to make sustainability profitable in manufacturing
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Economy best practise
Language: English
Speaker
Jasper Steinhausen
CEO & Founder
Business With Impact ApS
Lecture information
1) Understand the 3 main challenges facing business leaders in traditional companies
2) Learn The Impact Blueprint, your five steps to make circularity profitable
3) Discover how to transform your sustainability effort into a high impact, high ROI activity
01:00 - 02:00 p.m.
Science Block Digitalization
01:00 - 01:45 p.m.
Moderation
Format: Theme block
Session: Science Block Digitalization
Language: English
Speaker
Jan-Philip Kopka
Researcher
Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML
Lecture information
Sensor-based sorting is transforming resource recovery by enabling more precise and efficient separation of valuable materials from waste streams. This talk will explore recent advancements in sensor technologies, including hyperspectral imaging in the mid-wave infrared (MWIR), advanced tracking methods using event-based vision, and AI-driven classification techniques. We will also discuss how these innovations unlock new applications beyond traditional recycling, such as mineral sorting and the processing of materials with complex dynamic properties, like textiles and herbs, contributing to a more sustainable circular economy.
01:00 - 01:45 p.m.
Smart, Sustainable, Connected: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Circular Logistics
Format: Theme block
Session: Science Block Digitalization
Language: English
Speaker
Martin Friedrich
Senior Scientist
Fraunhofer Institut für Materialfluss und Logistik
Lecture information
In a world striving for sustainability, the circular economy has emerged as a key solution to reduce waste and maximize resource efficiency. But how can logistics keep pace with these new demands? The answer lies in Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization. From predictive analytics optimizing reverse logistics to smart tracking systems ensuring transparent supply chains, AI is transforming the way materials are reused, recycled, and redistributed. This talk explores how digital intelligence is reshaping logistics as the backbone of the circular economy, making supply chains not just more efficient, but truly sustainable and future-ready.
01:00 - 01:45 p.m.
Fraunhofer Institute: Digital Circular Economy: Optimizing Resource Recovery: Developments and Applications in Sensor-Based Sorting
Format: Theme block
Session: Science Block Digitalization
Language: English
Speaker
Paul Bäcker
Research assistant
Fraunhofer IOSB
Lecture information
Sensor-based sorting is transforming resource recovery by enabling more precise and efficient separation of valuable materials from waste streams. This talk will explore recent advancements in sensor technologies, including hyperspectral imaging in the mid-wave infrared (MWIR), advanced tracking methods using event-based vision, and AI-driven classification techniques. We will also discuss how these innovations unlock new applications beyond traditional recycling, such as mineral sorting and the processing of materials with complex dynamic properties, like textiles and herbs, contributing to a more sustainable circular economy.
01:45 - 02:00 p.m.
Education: the foundation for a circular economy
Format: Speech
Session: Science Block Digitalization
Language: English
Speaker
Alexandra Kick
Co-founder
Thinkubator
Lecture information
The transition to a circular economy requires a diverse set of people equipped with specialized green skills and competencies. This talk delves into the critical role of education in fostering sustainable practices, innovative problem-solving, and resource-efficient solutions. Gain insights into existing programs and strategies that prepare individuals to drive sustainable change and contribute to a resilient, circular future.
02:00 - 03:00 p.m.
Start-up Pitch Session 3
02:00 - 03:00 p.m.
10 Start Ups will pitch their innovative Circular Economy solutions
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 3
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
02:10 - 02:15 p.m.
"The Future Materials Forum": Holistic Approaches to Circular Economy in the Plastics Industry
Format: Keynote
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 3
Language: English
Speaker
Hanna Steffen
Project Engineer
Kunststoff-Institut für die mittelständische Wirtschaft NRW GmbH (K.I.M.W.)
Lecture information
The "Future Materials Forum" provides a platform for pioneering projects and initiatives that promote the circular economy within the plastics industry. Its goal is to work on innovative solutions that consider the entire lifecycle of plastics, enabling a more sustainable value chain. Central to the forum are holistic approaches that involve all key stakeholders along the value chain — from raw material producers and manufacturers to recyclers and end consumers. This presentation will highlight the forum’s structure and objectives, as well as key projects and synergies resulting from collaboration among companies, research institutions, and policy-makers. Through this introduction, we will explore how the Future Materials Forum drives sustainable transformation in the plastics industry, balancing ecological and economic aspects.
02:15 - 02:20 p.m.
100 % Recyclable Packaging with high barrier using Plasma Technology
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 3
Language: English
Speaker
Dr. Montgomery Jaritz
Co-Founder & Managing Director
IonKraft GmbH
Lecture information
Plastic packaging has a great potential for recycling. However, for packaging with barrier properties, recyclability remains a challenge. We have created a new game-changing plasma-based coating that creates a super-strong barrier on plastic packaging containers and is 100% recyclable. The coating is applied to plastic packaging containers with our innovative coating machines. Our technology has the potential to replace non-recyclable containers and enable a fully circular economy in the packaging industry.
02:20 - 02:25 p.m.
Innovative Mechanochemical Organic Synthesis
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 3
Language: English
Speaker
Koki Nishioka
Vice President, Business Development
Mechanocross Co.,Ltd.
Lecture information
Mechanocross reshapes chemistry by eliminating organic solvents, driving a greener future while unlocking innovation in advanced material development
02:25 - 02:30 p.m.
Innovative Biobased Technology Converting Agri-Waste into High-Performance Wood Panels
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 3
Language: English
Speaker
Dr. Mohamad ElKafafy
Founder/CEO
Agrona
Lecture information
Agrona pioneers a patented biobased technology that transforms agricultural waste into high-performance, eco-friendly wood panels. Our innovative resin formulation eliminates harmful formaldehyde emissions, making our panels safer and more sustainable than traditional wood alternatives. Designed for furniture and construction industries, Agrona’s scalable manufacturing process reduces deforestation, lowers CO₂ emissions, and supports circular economy principles. By offering a cost-effective, green alternative, we help businesses meet sustainability goals while delivering superior product performance.
02:30 - 02:35 p.m.
VCG.AI - Intelligence behind Global Circularity
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 3
Language: English
Speaker
Jon Goriup
Co-founder & CEO
VCG.AI
Lecture information
VCG.AI is accelerating the transition to the circular economy with the use of specialised AI and data. Its AI offers faster, more cost-effective development and implementation of circular products and business models. It is already trusted by industry leaders, R&D institutions, investors, and public authorities across 15 countries.
02:35 - 02:40 p.m.
Innovative technology that turns emissions into essential consumer products. Innovative Technologie, die Emissionen in unverzichtbare Konsumgüter verwandelt.
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 3
Language: English
Speaker
Dr. Daniel Stewart
Founder & CEO
ViridiCO2 Ltd.
Lecture information
It is known that as much as 70% of the emissions of consumer products such as detergents, soaps and shampoos come from the embedded carbon in the ingredients. ViridiCO2 technology takes carbon dioxide that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere and upcycles it as a source of renewable carbon, lowering emissions and transforming the way countless products are manufactured.
02:40 - 02:45 p.m.
Plastic Fischer - Your CSR partner for plastic-free oceans
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 3
Language: English
Speaker
Karsten Hirsch
CEO & Founder
Plastic Fischer GmbH
Lecture information
Plastic Fischer developed a simple technology to stop ocean plastic pollution in the world's most polluted rivers while creating local jobs. Organisations around the world support the German Startup to contribute to a better future and to excite employees and customers. Learn how to create social and environmental impact with us!
02:45 - 02:50 p.m.
Pitch Session: consumer driven impact in beauty
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 3
Language: English
Speaker
Daniela Muendler
CEO
samplistick GmbH
Lecture information
Reinvention of cosmetic sampling – sustainable, digital, circular
02:50 - 02:55 p.m.
Your Ultimate Guide to Efficient Contract Manufacturing & Materials Processing
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 3
Language: English
Speaker
Sylwia Marroquin
Co-Owner
Triangular-PST GmbH & Co. KG
Lecture information
In the race for innovation, production bottlenecks slow progress. But what if scaling materials was as easy as booking a stay on Airbnb?
Meet Triangular - Process On Demand - where R&D pioneers, manufacturers, and experts connect to produce faster, cut waste, and power the circular economy. No factory? No problem. We turn idle capacity into opportunity, making production agile, efficient, and sustainable.
Ready to rethink how materials hit the market? Let’s make innovation flow seamlessly.
02:55 - 03:00 p.m.
Repartly - Circular Business Model for White Goods Spare Parts
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 3
Language: English
Speaker
Dr. Lennart Osthoff
CEO
Repartly GmbH
Lecture information
High service and spare part prices are leading to fewer and fewer repairs in the white goods sector. Through electronics repairs and spare part refurbishment, Repartly reduces electronic waste and brings spare parts back into the cycle at a fraction of the original price.
03:00 - 03:45 p.m.
Circular Economy best practise
03:00 - 03:15 p.m.
Recycling, Re-Use and Undamaged Separation of Glass and Metal from End-of-Live Insulating Glass Units
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Economy best practise
Language: English
Speaker
Dr. Heinrich Ostendarp
Geschäftsführer / CTIO
HEGLA GmbH & Co. KG
Lecture information
End-of-life windows have huge potential for recycling. With its IG2Pieces system, HEGLA has developed a machine that enables the type-specific separation of IGUs into individual components in order to reuse or recycle them. The highly automated, clean and fast process sequence makes separating insulating glazing in particular economically attractive. As carbon pricing grows, the ratio will continue to improve.
03:15 - 03:30 p.m.
Rethinking the Circular Economy: Innovative Sorting Processes and Individual Product Tracking with SORT4CIRCLE® & TrackByStars®
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Economy best practise
Language: English
Speaker
Jochen Mösslein
CEO
Polysecure GmbH
Lecture information
Discover how Polysecure's cutting-edge technologies, Sort4Circle® and TrackByStars®, drive innovation in the circular economy. Sort4Circle® delivers precise material sorting for efficient recycling, while TrackByStars® ensures secure traceability across the value chain—paving the way for digital product passports. Learn how these solutions conserve resources, promote sustainability, and create economic value. Science-based, future-focused, and expertly designed!
03:30 - 03:45 p.m.
The Green Grass Strategy for Overcoming Barriers in Circular Transformation
Format: Speech
Session: Circular Economy best practise
Language: English
Speaker
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Lichtenthaler
Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship
ISM – International School of Management
Lecture information
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Lichtenthaler will address three major barriers regarding strategy, partnerships, and organization in companies’ transformation towards a circular economy and how to overcome these barriers. Based on the tool ‘Sustainability Innovation Map’, the ‘Green Grass Strategy’ indicates that companies need to go beyond focusing on ESG reporting obligations to leverage innovation opportunities. They further need to go beyond internal activities to capture the value of supply chain partnerships. In addition, they need to go beyond dedicated sustainability departments to leverage decentralized new core competencies.
03:45 - 05:00 p.m.
North Rhine-Westphalia as the hotspot of Circular Economy
03:45 - 04:00 p.m.
Shape your economic success in NRW and worldwide
Format: Speech
Session: NRW as the hotspot of Circular Economy
Language: English
Speaker
Bety Chu
Head of Business Unit Sustainable Transformation
NRW.Global Business GmbH
Lecture information
International companies always find the best opportunities where there is a great deal going on. NRW is a location that has proven one thing in particular: its ability to change. The heavy industry region has become a pioneer in innovation and sustainability. NRW is pursuing a major goal, which is to become the first climate-neutral industrial region in Europe.
In Germany's most important economic region, North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), the circular economy is one of the most powerful drivers of modernization and transformation. Where so much green transformation is driving an enormously diverse business location in the heart of Europe, NRW.Global Business the state-owned trade and investment agency shows the best way forward and helps international companies find their place among the many opportunities.
04:00- 04:15 p.m.
NRW.BANK - Funding and financing instruments for circular projects
Format: Speech
Session: NRW as the hotspot of Circular Economy
Language: English
Speaker
Janpeter Beckmann
Funding Advisor Sustainability and Circular Economy
NRW.BANK, Business Development Advisory Center (BCW)
Lecture information
A variety of funding programs are available to support companies in the implementation of their circular projects. The offer ranges from free consulting services to attractive loans and investment grants. Janpeter Beckmann from NRW.BANK's Business Development Advisory Center (BCW) provides an overview and important tips.
04:15 - 04:45 p.m.
Innovative Recycling Solutions form NRW - Important Enablers for Securing the Supply of Critical Raw Materials
Format: Theme block
Session: NRW as the hotspot of Circular Economy
Language: English
Speaker
Tim Bichlmeier
Green Economy Network.NRW
Marieke Eckhardt
Innovation Support
Green Economy Network.NRW
Matthias Hausmann
CEO
ESK-SIC GmbH
Malte Fislake
Operations Manager
Reiling PV-Recycling GmbH & Co. KG
Lecture information
Improving the recycling rate of critical raw materials is one target set by the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act. The Green Economy Network.NRW has therefore identified 17 raw materials that are particularly critical for the land North Rhine-Westfalia, including silicon and silicon compounds. These are essential for PV modules or semiconductors, for example. At the Circular Valley Convention, the Green Economy Network.NRW will be presenting and discussing with highly innovative recyclers from NRW who have succeeded in recycling silicon (compounds) on an industrial scale, thus securing a sustainable supply of critical raw materials.
04:45 - 05:00 p.m.
Innovative Startups Pioneering Circular Solutions
Format: Speech
Session: NRW as the hotspot of Circular Economy
Language: English
Speaker
Ann-Christin Kortenbrede
Managing Director
Gründerfonds Ruhr
Lecture information
Discover how innovative startups are revolutionizing the circular economy with cutting-edge solutions. In this session we explore the diverse approaches these pioneers are taking to drive sustainability and reshape industries for a more circular future.
05:00 - 06:00 p.m.
Start-up Pitch Session 4
05:00 - 06:00 p.m.
10 Start Ups will pitch their innovative Circular Economy solutions
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 4
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
05:10 - 05:15 p.m.
Absorber technology for PFAS & heavy metal removal
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 4
Language: English
Speaker
Mohnish Pujari
Business Development Manager
instrAction GmbH
Lecture information
instrAction has developed an innovative absorber platform technology for the selective removal of long- and short-chain PFAS, heavy metals and precious metals from water or liquid sources. The specific binding motives combined with a high density of binding places make the absorber so effective and efficient. The PFAS selective absorber has a 7x higher productivity, and 10x higher capacity compared to the state-of-the-art technologies, leading to at least 40% less OPEX and 25% less CAPEX.
05:15 - 05:20 p.m.
Kyuka ventures innovation hub
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 4
Language: English
Speaker
Dr. Jamal Sonko
Founder and ceo
Kyuka ventures innovation hub
Lecture information
We use plastic waste to produce a clean cooking fuel that we use at our homes
05:20 - 05:25 p.m.
The closed loop optimization of value chain on the intersection of sustainability and finance
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 4
Language: English
Speaker
Dana Aleff
Managing Director
Circonomit GmbH
Lecture information
Imagine we would redefine world's growth function from max(money) to max(money + tree + heart + magic) and rethink systems. Taking about systems, all products, processes, companies and even nations are systems and understanding causes relations in decision-making paths and how we can keep resources in endless loops is what should be the dinner table conversation at every home.
05:25 - 05:30 p.m.
AI-powered Molecular Recycling and Conversion
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 4
Language: English
Speaker
Prof. Dr. Florian Turk
Co-founder and CEO
Microwave Solutions GmbH
Lecture information
AI-powered microwave assisted molecular recycling is a game changer in producing secondary raw resources in the quantity and quality required for circular economies, as it is feedstock agnostic, specific in the products produced and a versatile platform technology.
05:30 - 05:35 p.m.
FixFirst Startup Pitch
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 4
Language: English
Speaker
Sebastian Daus
Co-Founder & CEO
FixFirst
Lecture information
FixFirst makes repair & circular services easy, efficient & attractive. Our workflow & ai-tools for repairers increase efficiency by 70% & our booking platform fix1.today enables brands & cities to scale circularity & empowers anyone to fix anything.
05:40 - 05:55 p.m.
Closing the loop in EV battery recycling - Perspectives from a plant builder
Format: Speech
Session: Scale Up Start-ups
Language: English
Speaker
Michel Siemon
Co-Founder & CEO
Primobius
Lecture information
05:35 - 05:40 p.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 4
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
05:40 - 05:45 p.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 4
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
05:45 - 05:50 p.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 4
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
05:50 - 05:55 p.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 4
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
05:55 - 06:00 p.m.
TBA
Duration: 00:05 h
Format: Pitch
Session: Start-up Pitch Session 4
Language: English
Speaker
TBA
Position
Company
Lecture information
TBA
05:45 p.m.
Wrap-up / Closing words on the Main stage
