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WDCD No Waste Challenge

RETHINK WASTE THROUGH DESIGN – This January, What Design Can Do (WDCD) is launching the No Waste Challenge, in partnership with IKEA Foundation. The goal: a lower contribution of waste and consumerism to climate change. Winners receive a prize fund and a 6-month accelerator programme co-created with Impact Hub Amsterdam! Designers and entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to fight waste can submit their solutions until 20 April.

WDCD is an international platform that uses design as a tool for ecological and social change. WDCD and Impact Hub Amsterdam share the same mission: to create a circular economy by designing out waste and reducing CO2 emissions. Together, we invite designers and creative entrepreneurs from around the world to submit their innovative solutions that reduce waste and rethink the current production and consumption cycle.

Closed

What can you win?

  • €10,000 in funding 
  • A 6-month development programme co-created with Impact Hub Amsterdam
  • Publicity via all WDCD platforms & partners

How does it work?

Winners will be selected by an international jury of leading experts in design, climate action, and social impact. In addition to a prize fund of €10.000 each, the winners get the chance to participate in a global development programme designed by Impact Hub Amsterdam to support the winning teams in further strengthening and scaling up their projects!  

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.

The No Waste Challenge global development programme covers a six-month period, starting with a one-week 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. 

Timeline

Phase 1
12 Jan - 20 April 2021
Designers and creatives are invited to submit innovative solutions to reduce waste.
April 2021
A selection committee will review all submissions and select nominees.
Phase 2
April 2021
A selection committee will review all submissions and select nominees.
Phase 3
3- 14 May 2021
Nominees receive feedback from the selection committee to develop their solutions.
16-27 May 2021
An international jury will judge the refined proposals and select the winners.
Phase 4
16-27 May 2021
An international jury will judge the refined proposals and select the winners.
Phase 5
July - December 2021
The global acceleration programme will support the winning teams to further develop their project.
January 2022
Presentations, exhibitions, exposure, and more for the winners!
Phase 6
January 2022
Presentations, exhibitions, exposure, and more for the winners!

Nominees

Have a look at the 85 promising ideas for a world beyond waste. See 85 nominees

What previous winners say:

VERTICAL UNIVERSITY
winner WDCD Climate Action Challenge 2018

“Our funding strategy, revenue model, story and strategic plan are all sharper as a result of this formidable programme.”
– Rajeev Goyal, Co-founder and Conservation Director
ECOLANA
winner WDCD Clean Energy Challenge 2019

“WDCD gave us confidence and exposure. To win an international contest was very important, we even ended up on the front page of an important Mexican Newspaper!"
– Lisseth Cordero, Co-founder