How much funding does Circular Innovation Challenge provide?

Circular Innovation Challenge provides $10,000 in funding.

When is the deadline for Circular Innovation Challenge?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

Circular Innovation Challenge

Seattle Good Business Network

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Funding Amount

$10,000

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Circular Innovation Challenge

Program Type: Business pitch competition for manufactured products made from waste or recycled materials

Geographic Scope: Open to all in Washington State

Eligibility:

Entrepreneurs, businesses, or students

Must source waste or recycled materials present in WA state

Product must be viable and scalable to meet regional market needs

Must identify how local WA communities are positively impacted by waste diversion

If applying as existing business, must pitch a new product (not already on market)

Applicants aged 18+ (students eligible)

Focus Areas/Material Streams:

Construction and Demolition

Glass

Metal

Organics/Food

Paper

Plastic

Textiles

Wood

Pigment

Other prominent waste streams

Award Package:

$10,000 cash prize (awarded to winner)

Introductions to investors

Ongoing mentorship (details TBA)

Public state-wide recognition and media features

Access to mentors and resources

Program Structure:

Two-round application process

Up to 8 finalists selected from written submissions

7-week finalist program (workshops, 1:1 mentorship support)

Final live pitch event

Judging Criteria (Point-based system, up to 100 points):

Volume/weight of waste diverted (prioritized) - projects using most discarded materials receive more points

Equitable impact - greater positive impact on historically under-resourced communities (BIPOC, refugee, immigrant, low-income) receives more points; e.g., create new jobs, low-barrier access/affordability

Environmental impact - viable metrics around environmental impact (measurable reductions in carbon emissions, water usage, pollution, chemicals)

Innovation - solutions for prominent/challenging material streams receive more points

Scalability - clear market demand and ability to scale regionally and beyond

What They Don't Fund:

Products already on market (for existing businesses)

Products not manufactured from waste/recycled materials

Products not sourcing materials from WA state

Status: Program information references 2021 competition. Current status unclear as of 2026.

Partnerships:

Coordinated by Seattle Good Business Network

In partnership with City of Seattle's Office of Economic Development

Made possible by grant from WA Department of Ecology

Contact Information:

Email: gro.doogeltaes@ralucric (appears to be obfuscated)

Interpretation available in 200+ languages

Spanish and Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese) application materials available

Background:
The Circular Innovation Challenge is a business pitch competition focused on identifying and scaling innovative manufactured product ideas that use prominent waste or recycled materials while creating positive environmental and social impact in Washington State communities.

How to Apply

Application Process

Submission Method: Email submission

Required Materials:
1. Contact Information Form (included in application)
2. Written Submission addressing the following questions:
- What is your product idea?
- What "waste" or recycled materials does your product idea use? (Specify material stream)
- How do you plan to source this material?
- How is your product manufactured/created?
- Who do you believe would be interested in purchasing your product?
- What are your estimated costs? Include:
- Labor
- Manufacturing
- Materials
- Transportation
- Equipment
- Miscellaneous

3. Optional: Video submission (6-minute maximum) addressing the above criteria

Submission Format Requirements:

Main Document:

- 12pt font
- 1-inch margins
- Single spaced
- Word or PDF format
- 5-page limit (maximum)
- As concise and fact-based as possible

Appendix:

Optional Video:

Review Process:
1. All eligible and complete submissions reviewed by judging panel of industry experts and professionals
2. Applications scored on point-based system (up to 100 points)
3. Top scoring applications selected as Pitch Finalists (up to 8 finalists)
4. Finalists notified and invited to participate in 7-week program

Finalist Program Requirements (if selected):

Attend Pitch Finalist Orientation (specific date/time provided upon selection)

Participate in weekly workshops (90-120 minutes) to refine pitch

Coordinate with assigned mentors

Create video recording of final pitch

Attend LIVE event and participate in Q&A session

Attend program sessions as required (not full-time)

Support Provided:

Workshops geared toward refining and developing pitch ideas

1:1 mentorship assistance

Guidance and resources to develop final pitch

Video production support