As a result of the Circular Economy Innovation Competition concluding successfully on Wednesday, April 19, six innovative finalist concepts were presented for public review at the Growth Factory’s Roseville Venture Lab in Sacramento. This competition saw inspiring projects covering insect transformation, solar-powered plastic recycling, vermicast, and more with the help of technical and mentor support from partners such as the Western Placer Waste Management Authority and Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
The Western Placer Waste Management Authority (WPWMA) and Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship have selected six innovative concepts to compete in the final pitch of the inaugural Circular Economy Innovation Competition, an impressive feat that has left Program Manager Eric Oddo in awe. This competition is a testament to local entrepreneurs’ creativity, passion, and understanding of how to support a circular economy, which will ultimately pave the way for further economic growth and environmental sustainability in the region. The public is invited to attend the final pitch at noon on Wednesday, April 19, at the Growth Factory’s Roseville Venture Lab (316 Vernon Street) in downtown Roseville.
Six Finalists for Sustainability Competition
Among this year’s sustainability competition finalists, we are delighted to announce the names of six: AgGen (Rosh Ho) from Davis, American Recycling Manufacturing Systems (ARMS) (Frederick Jason) from Rocklin, JAFCO Industries (Mark Casey) from Rocklin, Ouros Industries (Jae Allen) from Davis, Upcycle Food Waste (Stephen Weststeyn) from Northern California, and WasteKnot (Morgan Murphey) from Sacramento. Every one of these inspiring companies is committed to finding innovative solutions to promote sustainability and reduce waste. From recycling plastics with solar power to using vermicast, these companies are tackling many waste reduction problems.
The Circular Economy Innovation Competition is beyond thankful to the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship for providing mentorship, training, and support throughout this competition, helping finalists refine their concepts and messages.
The Circular Economy Innovation Competition looks forward to continuing this partnership in future iterations.
With great pride, we would like to announce that we have recently been awarded certification for our Renewable Placer Waste Action Plan, which places these ideals at the heart of our objectives as the WPWMA. In a recent announcement, the WPWMA has announced that it is implementing a $120 million facility improvement project which will further boost these efforts and allow even greater sustainability measures to be put into practice.
Rising Above Challenges
She rose above the challenges she faced with determination and hard work. Despite the setbacks, she always retained sight of her goal and accomplished it with flying colors.
The Circular Economy Innovation Competition’s inaugural program revealed a mosaic of clever and robust solutions to reduce resource waste and safeguard local businesses’ paths for a more efficient circular economy. This new generation of ambitious entrepreneurs brings unyielding determination to help the cities of western Placer reverse climate change. We are very grateful to Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship for their assistance throughout the program, allowing us to see the extraordinary potential of these talented individuals. Congratulations to our outstanding finalists, and we look forward to many more programs like this to come!
