contribute to a
zero-waste future?
And the winners are...
The ReThink Waste Challenge resulted in creation of twenty-seven cutting-edge business solutions that contribute to the biobased economy. Three of them made it to the podium. The winner of the Challenge is team Afterlife, converting agricultural food waste into a source of protein with the help of fungi. The runners up are team Pomace, with their idea to transform the waste apple pomace into a natural aroma to flavor food, and team Cult Factor turning agri-food waste into nutrients needed for cultivated meat production by using microorganisms.
Would you like to discover the ideas of the ten finalists of the Challenge and learn more about the second edition? Check out the ReThink Waste magazine.
Meet the participants
More than 190 students from 72 Universities in 33 countries are participating in the ReThink Waste Challenge. Their goal? To come up with a business idea or a prototype that contributes to a circular biobased economy.
It could be anything from a new material made out of biomass or a new technology to extract valuable products from biomass residue, to a more efficient production process or services that bring a zero-waste future one step closer.
From January until June 2023, with the support of top experts, they will develop their idea into a solid business proposition, ready to pitch to the jury and potential investors. Curious to learn more?
Meet the teams
Working together to make a difference!
At Wageningen University & Research top scientists and students from all over the world join forces to work on projects that make a difference to the quality of life. As the call for a circular, biobased economy is getting louder and louder we are working on solutions to make a reality. We run applied research programmes, support the transition in private-public partnership projects and offer numerous bio-economy courses. ReThink Waste Challenge is an unique initiative of Wageningen University & Research giving students from all over the world an opportunity to work on this important topic with support of over twenty industry leaders.
Check out WUR projects
Upcoming Events
Partners
Partners & participants about the Challenge
Gerard Ten Bolscher
Avebe
“These young and enthusiastic teams motivated us and gave us insights into what drives this generation”
Team AlgO
“This Challenge gave us a platform to co-create solutions with industry leaders”
Team Flypro
“We found a lot of interesting topics, amazing teams and inspring coaches”
Team mINC
“We really enjoyed sharing knowledge and experience with professionals in the field’”
Team Blue Chitin
“We were amazed by the enthusiasm of the coaches and companies”
Team Cultivated
“It was an amazing learning opportunity and felt like a first step towards an exciting career”
Henk Wymenga
Wageningen Ambassador
“Wow, such a network, so much energy, so much motivation”
Roland Snel
ADM
“I truly enjoyed the discussions”
Stephan Bouwman
Marel
“All the teams seemed very motivated with their projects. I have been inspired by their ideas”
News
Proteins fermented by fungi win the ReThink Waste Challenge
Team Afterlife won first prize for with their concept of converting agricultural foodwaste into a source of protein with the help of fungi. The jury commended the team for focussing on a waste stream that is a challenge to ferment. The team is awarded € 6.000 ...
Human capital indispensable for scaling up biobased production
Over the past 30 years, WUR has co-developed many new circular products. Many of these are still in the market 10-20 years after launch. Think of circular packaging coatings, pet toys, planting pots, biobased car tires and green insulation materials. But also safe ...
Discussing our zero waste future with student innovators during the ReThink Waste Challenge
The student teams competing in the ReThink Waste Challenge have received essential advice from industry experts. It has taken their ideas to the next level by honing in on the essence of their innovation, challenging them to communicate ...
Impact Partners
Organizers
The ReThink Waste is organized by Wageningen University & Research with support of a broad network of partners.
