The Queensland Circular Economy (Industry-Research) program

The Queensland Circular Economy (Industry-Research) program is designed to support industry driven research and innovation, for the purpose of assisting industry transition away from the mainstream linear take-make-waste business model to a less wasteful circular economy model which is based on three principles, driven by design(the Ellen MacArthur Foundation):

o        eliminate waste and pollution

o        circulate products and materials (at their highest value)

o        regenerate nature

What is Circular Economy?

We think it’s important to recognise that circular economy initiatives fall under the ‘sustainability’ umbrella, but not all sustainability initiatives are circular.

For the purpose of the Queensland Circular Economy (Industry-Research) program, initiatives supported should fit within the Queensland Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy’s definition of the circular economy where: products and materials keep circulating within the economy at their highest value for as long as possible, through reuse, recycling, remanufacturing, delivering products as services, and sharing. Also for inclusion are initiatives which address avoiding the waste of products and materials.

In a practical sense that means the principal aim of initiatives or proposals will be around addressing waste and retaining value of materials and products; and any water and energy efficiency benefits will be seen as a bonus.

We are looking for those initiatives that will contribute to Queensland being a zero-waste society by reducing material and products going to landfill.

Why is Smart Precinct NQ providing this funding?

Thanks to the Department of Environment and Science, this grant aims to help Queensland transition to a zero-waste society (the Queensland Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy)

This opportunity will make a significant impact in fostering sustainability, innovation, and prosperity in Queensland.

The Queensland Circular Economy (Industry-Research) Innovation Grant presents an incredible opportunity to receive support for an industry-driven research and innovation project. This grant is specifically designed to take your project to real practice to achieve a more sustainable and less wasteful circular economy model.

Through this initiative, we aim to foster the development of innovative ideas, technologies, and prototypes that embrace the principles of the circular economy. Selected applicants will advance their project to the prototype, pilot, or commercialisation stage within a timeframe of 12 months. By doing so, they will drive tangible impact and promote circular practices across various sectors. By the end of 12 months, projects will participate in a pitch event where they will present their innovations to the community.

Successful projects 

We are thrilled to announce the 8 recipients of the QLD Circular Economy Industry and Research Program, thanks to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation!

1. Wandarra: Prototype development of sustainable hemp-based alternatives to replace single-use products.
2. Jarred Muller: MP Filter
3. James Cook University: SEAPRO
4. James Cook University: Prototype of a Cost Effective Thermal Energy Storage System for Air-conditioning Photovoltaic-Powered Homes
5. James Cook University: Redefining E-waste Management Solutions: Circular Economy Business Models in Action
6. Rising Sun Critical Technology Services: Trash2Tech
7. URBAN MOMENTS MAINTENANCE: The Re-Makings -Magnetic island
8. LiXiA: CircularSens Redesign

 “The innovation grant was highly competitive, with eight successful applicants receiving funding to advance their projects over the next nine months.

The calibre of these projects highlights our region’s strong potential to become a leader in circular economy practices, unlocking greater value from Queensland’s resources and setting a new benchmark for sustainability.” – Cassandra Cazzulino, CEO at Smart Precinct NQ.

Over the next year, these incredible teams will be developing projects that focus on reducing waste and keeping valuable materials in use for longer. This is a significant step forward in North Queensland’s journey toward becoming a zero-waste society!

Stay tuned to learn more about these innovative projects and how they’re helping our region embrace a more sustainable future.

More information about each of these projects will soon be available through a dedicated section on our website.

Thanks to the Queensland Circular Economy (Industry-Research) program thanks to the Department of Environment and Science.