Circular Economy Innovations

Climate KIC is leading efforts to prevent waste before it is created, rather than just managing it after disposal. While this idea may seem simple, making it work requires teamwork across different sectors and organizations. One effective way to do this is through innovation clusters, where start-ups, investors, businesses, local organizations, entrepreneurship support groups (ESOs), and policymakers come together to build long-term solutions.

To support this goal, Climate KIC has partnered with GrowthAfrica and SecondMuse to create Circular Economy Innovation Clusters in Bengaluru and Nairobi, with funding from the IKEA Foundation. These clusters aim to tackle urban challenges while also creating new business opportunities.

Research by Yunus Environment Hub and Wasafiri highlights the need for these solutions. While waste management in these cities has improved, more work is needed to reduce waste from the start through upstream innovation.

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