Member Event: Sync the City 2021 – StartUpCycle Weekend

Over the StartUpCycle weekend, teams will come up with initiatives that will ditch landfill and form a circular economy instead: better for the planet and the pocket.

Using Sync the City‘s can-do attitude and hackathon expertise, and Norwich BID‘s knowledge of Norwich’s rubbish, you’ll work together in teams to figure out practical solutions to our big waste problem. It’s not just about Norwich – this event is part of an EU funded project, and by participating and presenting your Upcycle Start-Up, you’ll reach businesses across Europe, and could build something that will help change the world.

Norwich BID have already completed a large audit of over 300 companies, and identified valuable forms of waste (such as Coffee Grounds, Cardboard, Optician Lenses, Food Waste, Textiles, Polywrap, Pallets, Orange peel and post juiced oranges, Wasted Hops, Coffee Cups, Carpet, Glass Offcuts & more). These waste streams are not currently being used in a commercial way, but they should be: to save the money and help save the planet.

To get you inspired. Have you heard about UEA student George Bailey? He created a startup that creates spectacles that are upcycled from fishing nets, check it out here.

You’ll also benefit from expert mentoring, amazing networking opportunities, and develop plenty of professional skills: from presenting to problem-solving, with lots in between. Plus, you could win up to £4000 in prize money.

Over 48 hours, teams of 6-8 people will work together to build and launch an UpCycle startup, which transforms waste from local businesses into something new and valuable. We need you, whether you’re a tech expert, eco-warrior, or marketing pro: we’re looking for people who want to make things happen and be part of a more sustainable future. You don’t need any specific skills or upcycling knowledge to get involved, just willingness to jump in at the deep end.