the award package

Award package

The winners of the Make it Circular  will be selected by an international jury of leading experts in design, climate action and social impact. Next to a prize fund of €10.000 each, the centrepiece of the award package is a global development programme designed to support the winning teams in further strengthening and scaling up their projects.

PUBLICITY ON THE WORLD STAGE

Each winner will get the chance to present their projects to a global audience during one of WDCD’s annual events on design and innovation. Besides gaining access to our extensive network of change-makers, winning teams will also receive valuable press coverage and media exposure through WDCD’s channels and those of our partners.

  • €10,000 in funding

  • A DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME CO-CREATED WITH IMPACT HUB

  • PUBLICITY VIA ALL WDCD PLATFORMS & PARTNERS

what previous winners say

 

“Winning the challenge and being part of the WDCD programme was one of the best thing that happened to the project. It allowed us to go to the next level and opened many doors for us. Being able to spend a week sharing with other projects and learning from the best specialists in each topic gave us the tools we needed to continue growing and improving the project in very practical, concrete and possible ways. It also inspired us and made us value ourselves more by seeing how others saw our project. It was one of the best experiences both professionally and personally.”

 

Camila Naveira – Reparar

 

“The development programme was an eye-opening experience that showed us how we can integrate design into our work to solve social problems efficiently. We learned how to use design as a tool to tell captivating stories and communicate our vision in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. Moreso, the challenge winners join a community of fellow trailblazers who understand the challenges of the entrepreneurship journey, and deep friendships are formed.”

 

Melvin Kizito – Leafy Life

 

“Being one of the What Design Can Do No Waste Challenge participants was a wonderful gift. I often compare the program to a sculpting class. You have this wonderful idea, that in your mind may be already close to finished. But then one of the experts from the industry rotates your ‘statue’, gives you a different perspective, and all of a sudden you can tweak and fine tune some more. Plus, it is wonderful to meet such a fantastic group of like minded people from all over the world! They are a very valuable network for life.”

 

Nichon glerum – clothing loop

THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

We’re proud to announce that WDCD has teamed up with Impact Hub Amsterdam to design the Make it Circular Challenge global development programme. WDCD and Impact Hub share the same mission: to create a circular economy, by designing out waste and reducing CO2 emissions. As part of the global Impact Hub network — with more than 16,000 members in over 100 cities  — Impact Hub also brings more than a decade of experience in helping creative entrepreneurs to start, grow and scale their business.

 

By combining research and design (WDCD) with training and entrepreneurship (Impact Hub), our programme will provide unique support for the thinkers, doers and makers of the new economy.

WHAT CAN WINNERS EXPECT?

The Make it Circular development programme covers a six-month period, starting with a two-weeks bootcamp and ending with a pitch at a global or local WDCD event. This programme focuses on enhancing entrepreneurial skills, networking, presentation and communication as well as opening doors to further development and funding.

 

THE BOOTCAMP

The WDCD bootcamp is the perfect kick-off event, allowing participants to get to know each other before we dive into the programme developed by Impact Hub. Winners can expect a range of mentoring sessions on the skills they need to make their projects a success — from building a supply chain, to team-building and organisation, finding potential clients and creating impact. In addition to the group sessions, each team will also receive 1:1 support to cater to their individual needs and personal ambitions.

THE BUSINESS MODEL CHALLENGE

After the bootcamp, each team can count on continued guidance from both local and international experts. This means you’ll receive regular (online) training and advice in matters of design, business and networking, communication skills and knowledge. In the first three months, the development programme will focus on providing masterclasses on business diagnostics, marketing, sales & pricing, prototyping, and intellectual property & law. In the following three months, there will be monthly check-ins to discuss progress and support winners in their activities to find and confirm partners for prototyping or pilots. As their projects continue to grow and take shape, winners will receive a  ½ day coaching session with a Bootcamp trainer, as well as pitch training.

 

AFTER THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Often, development programmes stop after the final pitch. We like to do things a little differently.

 

For another six months after completing the Business Model Challenge, we will continue to support the winners in their activities. During this time, winners will have access to an online impact hub membership, masterclasses and pro bono support. Finally, to give them the exposure they deserve, winning projects will receive continued publicity and media attention through WDCD platforms and partners, bringing them closer to potential collaborators on both a global and local level.