The National Hackathon Circular Economy is a nationwide challenge where mbo, hbo, and university students from across the Netherlands work together on a real-life circular economy issue. In multidisciplinary teams, students develop creative, practical solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.

The next edition of the NHCE will take place from February 1 to 5, 2027.

The 2027 the topic of the Hackathon focuses on the question of how we design the future of beverage packaging: from behavior and collection to reuse. Students from all disciplines are challenged to develop new ideas for reusing materials from beverage cartons, bottle caps, and packaging that fall outside existing systems. They can approach this from different perspectives (technical, creative, economic, and societal). 

During the NHCE, you’ll work in teams, guided by experts and mentors, to develop innovative circular solutions. You can follow online workshops and inspirational sessions to get you going. You’ll refine your ideas together with your group, and pitch them to industry partners.
Curious about the vibe? Watch the NHCE 2025 aftermovie to get an idea, and see the creativity in action during the national finale. 

The hackathon usually runs for five days, in 2026 from Monday February 1 - Friday 5 2027. And can be online, in-person, or hybrid, depending on te educational institution. Monday is an online kick-off, Thursday 16 pm are regional finals, Friday is a national Finale. The program will follow at the end of 2026.

All mbo, hbo, and university students in the Netherlands are welcome to join. The hackathon brings together students from different educational institutions and disciplines. Diversity is what drives creativity and innovation.

Participants usually work in teams. You may be assigned to a team or have the option to form your own team, but that depends if you subscribe individually, or via your teacher. Team sizes typically range from 4 to 6 students, preferably in a mix of skills and perspectives.

By joining the NHCE, you will:

• Learn more about the circular economy and your role in a circular world.
• Collaborate with students from across the country.
• Work on a real, practical challenge with real-world impact.
• Build your network, gain insights from experts from the field, and strengthen your resume.

For educators and educational institutions, the NHCE offers a chance to:

• Experiment with multi-level collaboration and innovative learning formats.
• Strengthen networks both regionally and nationally.
• Exchange knowledge and experiences with other education professionals.
• Join informal (online) community sessions to connect with peers in circular education.

For companies, organizations, and governments, the NHCE offers a unique opportunity to:

• Co-create innovative solutions with the next generation of changemakers.
• Get fresh perspectives on real sustainability challenges.
• Connect with talented students and educational institutions across the country.
• Contribute to the transition towards a circular economy in a tangible, visible way.
• Gain national visibility as an organization committed to circular innovation.

Partners can (co-)host the challenge, provide expertise via workshops or inspirational sessions, coach student teams, or support the event in other ways.

In previous editions, students worked on challenges from:

• Ministery of I&W (2022) - Circular Textiles
• NS & ProRail (2023) – waste-free train stations
• H&M and New Optimist (2024) – circular fashion
• Bol and Het Goed (2025) – circular consumer goods
• PreZero & the Event Industru (2026) - zero waste events

The hackathon is organized by educational institutions across the Netherlands (mbo, hbo, wo), and is coordinated by Het Groene Brein, together with Zuyd University of Applied Sciences.
With support from the Ministery of Infrastructure & Watermanagement, and RVO.

Want to join or stay updated about the next edition?

Reach out to Dianne de Fijter, dianne.defijter@hetgroenebrein.nl and we’ll keep you informed about news and updates for NHCE 2027.