(Re)Design for Net Zero and Circularity

Transforming Products and Services for a Net-Zero and Regenerative Future

The (Re)Design for Net Zero and Circularity program empowers students, faculty, and innovators to reimagine products and services that align with net-zero and regenerative futures. Through a structured innovation process, participants redesign existing solutions or create entirely new ones that reduce carbon footprints, promote circularity, and enhance ecological and social resilience.

This program actively collaborates with university-based innovation labs, hubs, incubators, research centers, and student research projects, providing a platform where academic knowledge meets real-world problem-solving. By integrating climate action principles into university-based initiatives, we support the transition of research ideas into scalable, market-ready solutions.

Why Join the (Re)Design Program?

• Innovate for Impact – Apply cutting-edge sustainability principles, circular economy models, and regenerative design to create solutions that address real-world climate challenges.

• Leverage University Innovation Ecosystems – Work within university-based incubators, makerspaces, and research labs to refine climate solutions.

• Collaborate with Experts – Work alongside climate scientists, design thinkers, industry leaders, and policymakers in developing feasible, high-impact solutions.

• Accelerate Student Research into Action – Bridge academic research with applied innovation by transforming student theses, capstone projects, and independent studies into viable climate-positive products and services.

• Tackle Industry and Community Challenges – Partner with businesses, local governments, and grassroots organizations to redesign high-emission or resource-intensive products and services.

Who Can Join?

This program is open to:
✔ University students and faculty across disciplines
✔ Entrepreneurs and startups developing sustainable solutions
✔ Industry professionals looking to integrate sustainability into their offerings
✔ Government and nonprofit innovators aiming to scale climate-positive services
✔ University-based innovation centers, research programs, and incubators

How It Works

🔹 Phase 1: Climate Intelligence & Design Thinking

• Deep dive into climate science, regenerative economics, and circularity principles.

• Identify high-impact redesign opportunities in sectors like energy, food systems, waste, mobility, and the built environment.

🔹 Phase 2: Ideation & Prototyping

• Apply biomimicry, systems thinking, and life cycle analysis to develop sustainable product/service ideas.

• Build rapid prototypes within university innovation labs and incubators.

🔹 Phase 3: Testing & Scaling

• Conduct feasibility assessments and real-world testing with partners.

• Explore go-to-market strategies, policy alignment, and investment opportunities for scaling climate-positive innovations.

University Collaboration & Innovation Hubs

We partner with university innovation programs, student research initiatives, and entrepreneurship incubators to:

• Embed Climate Action in Academic Research – Encourage students and faculty to integrate climate impact assessments into their projects.

• Provide Access to Prototyping Spaces – Utilize university fab labs, makerspaces, and research facilities for sustainable product design.

• Support Startup Development – Connect student-led climate solutions to incubators, venture programs, and funding opportunities.

• Mentor Climate-Innovators – Guide students and faculty through interdisciplinary collaborations with experts and industry leaders.

Impact Areas

🔹 Zero Waste & Circular Economy – Rethink production and consumption to eliminate waste.
🔹 Decarbonization & Energy Transition – Design solutions that reduce emissions and promote clean energy.
🔹 Resilient Cities & Built Environments – Develop materials and urban solutions for climate adaptation.
🔹 Regenerative Agriculture & Food Systems – Create food solutions that restore ecosystems and enhance food security.
🔹 Sustainable Consumer Goods & Packaging – Reimagine everyday products for minimal impact.

Sample Student Projects