SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): New recycling drop-off centers, a system for repurposing electric vehicle batteries for portable power stations, and a program focused on electronic waste upcycling and computer repair classes: These are among the latest projects to earn recognition – and funding – through the NextCycle Michigan Fall Showcase.
A total of 14 teams faced a live audience of industry leaders, public sector decision-makers, potential partners, and prospective investors earlier this month at the Suburban Showplace Collection in Novi. They pitched ideas for diverting materials from landfills and advancing Michigan’s circular economy, with the chance to attract investors, win monetary awards, and generate publicity.
The showcase capped six months of coaching from business and industry experts through the NextCycle Michigan Accelerator Program.
NextCycle Michigan, funded by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), advances initiatives that improve materials management and develop end markets for recycled materials in Michigan. The showcase highlighted projects to divert materials from landfills and instead repair, reuse, recycle, compost, or utilize those materials in recycled content products.
Teams were divided into two pitch groups: Intergovernmental Initiatives and Public-Private Partnerships (I2P3), focused on public sector projects; and Recycling Supply Chain (RSC), focused on material logistics, processing, and end-market projects. The winners included:
Both People’s Choice awards of $2,500 each were sponsored by the Michigan Recycling Coalition and were voted on by the live audience. In addition, EGLE Materials Management Division Assistant Director Julie Staveland announced $70,000 in Harvest Grant funding – $5,000 for each of the 14 teams that completed the accelerator program and pitched at the showcase. Funding can be used to continue advancing the teams’ circular initiatives.
“EGLE is proud to facilitate investment in our sustainable and prosperous shared future through initiatives like NextCycle Michigan,” Staveland said. “While four teams earned special recognition, every accelerator and showcase participant can celebrate a win for themselves and for our communities and state.”
Courtesy: www.wasteadvantage.com
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