About the National Hackathon Circular Economy

National Hackathon Circular Economy: 
In the National Hackathon Circular Economy students mbo, hbo & wo from all over the country and from different backgrounds work together on a practical issue related to the circular economy. We're looking back on the successful 2025 edition with the challenge of second-hand retailer Het Goed and retailer bol. Over 420 students from 21 educational institutions took on the challenge. For the edition of 2026, PreZero announced that they, together with other partners, will shape next year's challenge about making events zero waste. 

In previous editions, for example, these were issues from H&M and New Optimist about circular fashion or an issue from NS about how to make stations waste-free. A cool way to learn about the circular economy: working on a real issue while learning about the role you can have in the transition towards a circular economy.

The hackathon is organized by educational institutions across the country together with Het Groene Brein and is funded by the Ministry of I&W and DuurzaamDoor. 

Save the Date:
The National Hackathon Circular Economy
February 2–6, 2026

Why join?

Become a Host of the National Hackathon Circular Economy!

Join this nationwide initiative with your educational institution and take part in an inspiring learning experience where student teams work on one central challenge: How can we make events zero waste?

As a host, you provide your students with the opportunity to contribute to real-world solutions for a circular economy, right from your campus. Teachers play a key role in guiding teams and making this hackathon week a success.

What do we ask from host institutions?

• Recruit students, fellow educators, and coaches

• Share key dates and information with participants and partners

• Attend the online kick-off and the regional/national finals

• Organize a regional final on Thursday afternoon (16:00–17:30)
  (Collaboration with other institutions in your region is encouraged, we’re happy to help make the match!)

• Provide a contact point for student teams
  (You decide the level of guidance, from being available at fixed times daily to offering more intensive coaching)

• Facilitate participation in a way that fits your educational practice and schedule

Whether it’s a project week, part of a course, or an extracurricular challenge, everyone can join in a way that works for them.

What does a Hackathon-week look like?