National Hackathon Circular Economy 2026: How can we make events zero waste?
From 2 to 6 February, students across the Netherlands team up to tackle circular challenges
This year's case
By 2050, the Dutch economy must be fully circular. This means that products and raw materials are reused for as long as possible, without wasting valuable resources. But we’re not there yet. Events continue to generate massive amounts of waste – from single-use cups and packaging to decorations that are thrown out after just one day. The National Circular Economy Hackathon challenges students to develop innovative solutions to make events zero waste. How can event organizers design sustainable, future-proof events? The next edition of the National Hackathon Circular Economy will take place from February 2 to 6, 2026.
Rethinking waste at events
In the 2026 edition of the National Hackathon Circular Economy, students take on a major challenge: how can we make events zero waste?
Festivals, sports matches, and conferences still generate enormous amounts of waste: from single-use plastics and food packaging to leftover materials that often end up in the trash. The event industry is still far from circular.
This year’s case holder, waste and recycling company PreZero, invites students to think beyond the bin.
- What does a zero-waste event actually look like?
- What behaviors, systems, or incentives can drastically reduce waste before, during, and after an event?
- How do we get visitors, organizers, and suppliers on board?
During the hackathon, students from across the country work on creative, practical concepts, from reusable systems and circular logistics to smart incentives and digital tools.
What would make you change your behavior at an event? How can we make waste reduction part of the experience fun, easy, and impossible to ignore? This generation has the power to turn waste into value. Are you ready to design the future of zero-waste events?
Programme & schedule
The programme is still being finalized, but you can view the current version below.
MONDAY
February 2nd
9:30 | Mini-introduction: why circular economy?
10:00 | Get to know your team
10:30 Kick-off: National Hackathon Circular Economy 2026
Welcome, introduction of the week and the case of PreZero
11:00 | Introduction: the event sector
11:45 | Workshop: Design Thinking
Join Design Thinking expert Guido Stompff from Inholland University of Applied Sciences as we explore the vision of creating a circular, zero-waste event. Through an interactive Futures Literacy exercise, you'll discover how to break free from conventional thinking and generate innovative ideas!
13:30 | Workshop: Sustainability ladder
With over 30 years of expertise in sustainability within the events industry, Gerd-Jan Frijters (Greenhouse Monkeys & D&F Group) brings a wealth of knowledge to this workshop. Discover everything you need to know about hosting green events and achieving zero waste, as Gerd-Jan also introduces the concept of the sustainability ladder.
17:00 | Handing in Canvas I
TUESDAY
February 3rd
9:00 | Inspiration session: Revolution Academy
Since 2012, Revolution Academy has been leading the way in creating more sustainable events. Join Timon Dijkstra, our general manager, as he shares insights into their innovative approach. Get inspired by their story and about circular events in practice!
9:30 | Workshop: Behavioural Change & Insights Research Lowlands
What drives circular behavioral change? Carlijn Kappers and Danique Bredenoort (both Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences) share key insights from their research conducted at Lowlands.
17:00 | Handing in Canvas II
WEDNESDAY
February 4th
9:00 | Inspiration session: The Good Roll
The Good Roll: creators of 100% European recycled and bamboo toilet paper. Co-founder Melle Schellekens shares their mission and story, going beyond the roles; it's about impact, creativity and the coolest changes. Whether it's sustainability, entrepreneurial challenges or leadership, Melle is ready for an interesting conversation.
17:00 | Handing in canvas III
THURSDAY
February 5th
9:00 | Make & finalise your pitch!
11:00 | Workshop: Agency
What role do you play in driving the circular transition? And what actions can you take after the Hackathon ends? We discuss this with Elena Lomeli Aguirre from Avans University of Applied Sciences. As a researcher, activist, innovator, and a unique blend of realist and idealist, Elena will guide you through the path forward.
11:30 | Practice your pitch
15:30 | Regional finales
Present your solutions to the challenges in front of an esteemed jury. Each region will crown a winner, and these regional champions will advance to compete in the national finals on Friday! All the necessary information will be provided to you.
FRIDAY
February 6th
13:00 | Grande Finale!
In the Grande Finale, Thursday's regional winners will present their innovative ideas. A distinguished jury, featuring leading scientists, sustainability experts, and representatives from case partner PreZero, will evaluate these solutions and crown the winner of the National Hackathon Circular Economy 2026!
Waste in a circular economy
In a circular economy, we try to prevent waste as much as possible by reusing, repairing, recycling, rethinking or eliminating the need for single-use items. The goal is to keep materials in use for as long as possible, and to design systems where "waste" doesn’t even exist.
Why is this important?
Events often generate large amounts of waste in a short time, from single-use packaging to leftover food and materials. By making events zero waste, we reduce pressure on natural resources, lower CO₂ emissions, and prevent valuable materials from being lost. It’s a crucial step toward a more sustainable, circular future.
Ready to take part?
Sign up now to join this year’s hackathon and work on innovative solutions for a circular future!