Are you a Cape Town-based innovator, entrepreneur, SMME or non-profit organisation passionate about driving positive change in South Africa which builds a future that protects our environment and livelihoods? Do you have innovative ideas to address key challenges in Circular Design? If so, we invite you to apply for the #cocreate Circular Design Challenge 2024!
The Mission Network of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in South Africa is pleased to announce the launch of our #cocreate Circular Design Challenge 2024, organised in collaboration with the Craft and Design Institute (CDI).
Apply now and you could benefit from an incredible programme underpinned by Design Thinking principles thanks to our partners at the Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika and experts in your Circular Design area of focus, with the chance to win funding to the value of R15 000 to kickstart or develop your idea! The Netherlands’ #cocreateSANL platform has for over ten years brought diverse people to the table to exchange ideas and develop innovations for a sustainable future. The annual #cocreateSANL programme examines the power of design to tackle current socio-economic and environmental challenges within an African context. Since 2018, through the Netherlands Consulate General in Cape Town, an annual series of events have culminated in a #cocreateDESIGN FESTIVAL, organised in collaboration with the CDI.
Applications are now closed
A continuation of 2023's focus on Circular Design
The 2023 #cocreateDESIGN FESTIVAL gathered academics, policymakers, government officials, civil society, entrepreneurs, and creative thinkers to share knowledge, ask provocative questions, and spark new ideas to help shape circularity in an African context.
We are excited to build on this success with our #cocreate Circular Design Challenge 2024.
Want to know more? – have a look at our 2023 resources and videos here:
2023 #cocreateDESIGN FESTIVAL conference on Circular Design: Links to last year’s conference videos: Please find below a wonderful resource which captures the key Circular Design lessons from 2023’s programme, in an engaging booklet South Africa’s Future is Circular. Please click here to download the 2023 booklet
About the #cocreate Circular Design Challenge 2024
The #cocreate Circular Design Challenge 2024 is a unique opportunity for innovators, businesses, and non-profit organisations in Cape Town to tackle pressing sustainability issues. The Challenge will focus on four key streams this year. - Fashion and Textiles: Sustainable sourcing
- Consumer Education and Behavioural Change: Consumer education within your community through incentives
- Organic Waste: Circular opportunities for organic waste streams
- Repair and Re-use: Community-based circular economy practices
PLEASE CLICK ON THE BOX BELOW AND DOWNLOAD THE RELEVANT PROBLEM STATEMENT PDF FOR YOUR APPLICATION
Please carefully read the problem statement that pertains to your area of application.
Please read this before applying.    
What is Circular Design?
Circular Design is the practice of creating durable, reusable, repairable and recyclable products and innovative services that promote and generate zero waste to support a circular economy. Design is of the utmost importance for a sustainable future of the planet. As we cannot recycle our way out of this crisis, we need to invent solutions that eliminate and minimise our need for more materials and products – and circulate what we have. We are seeking ideas that can achieve a positive impact on our local communities and surroundings while boosting the economy!
What you will gain:
You will have the opportunity to get closer to a viable product or service. However, during the process, successful applicants selected will also benefit from:
- Learning about design thinking principles and methodologies
- Learning about circular economy principles, standards and opportunities in given categories
- Gaining a fresh perspective on how to approach and solve problems
- Developing teamwork skills, while gaining from experts in their fields of Circular Design
- Opportunities to network with other entrepreneurs and professionals who are as passionate about sustainability
- The opportunity to pitch for R15 000 for your Circular Design innovation.
Key dates to note if selected to participate:
1. Launch and Introduction to Design Thinking | 22 July
All selected participants will kick off the challenge with an introduction to design thinking principles, setting the stage for innovative problem-solving on 22 July at the Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika. If selected, we will communicate all the details for the day and supply supporting resources to help you prepare.
2. Full-day Circular Design Masterclasses | 1,2, 7 or 8 August (Successful applicants will attend one Masterclass only)
Dive deeper into Circular Design principles with expert-led masterclasses tailored to each thematic area. Gain valuable insights and practical knowledge to apply to your business or organisation, including a field trip to a successful local Circular Design initiative to help inspire you. - 1 August 2024: Repair and Re-use
- 2 August 2024: Fashion and Textiles
- 7 August 2024: Organic Waste
- 8 August 2024: Consumer Education and Behavioural Change
3. Submit your final proposal by 23 August: Based on your new knowledge about Design Thinking and the Circular Economy in your given category, you may now refine your idea and submit your final concept for evaluation. 8 finalists (2 per category) will be chosen by a group of industry experts.
4. Pitching and Awards Ceremony | 19 – 20 September
Stand in line to pitch for R15 000 if your idea is selected as a finalist. Eight selected finalists will pitch at the South African Circular Economy Hotspot (SACEH’24) event organised by the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) in September 2024 in Cape Town. These eight finalists will benefit from a dedicated mentor to help shape their final pitch!
*Please make sure you can accommodate the key dates in your diary before applying!
How to Apply: Applications are now closed
*Please see here for the Terms and Conditions
Contact Information:
For more information or enquiries, please contact Liezl Julius on liezl.julius@thecdi.org.za
About: About #cocreateSANL: The Netherlands’ #cocreateSANL platform has for over ten years been bringing diverse people to the table to exchange ideas and innovations for a sustainable future.
About the Craft and Design Institute (CDI): The Craft and Design Institute (CDI) is a non-profit company with over 20 years of success in developing creative people, small businesses and the craft and design sector at large in South Africa.
The #cocreate Circular Design Challenge 2024 is made possible with thanks to the support of a financial contribution by the City of Cape Town, and hosted in collaboration with the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN), Circular South Africa (CSA), the Hasso Plattner School of Design Thinking Afrika, Circular Squared and GreenCape. Join us in shaping a more sustainable future through innovation and collaboration. Together, we can make a difference in building a circular economy that benefits both people and the planet! We look forward to your application.
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