Upscaling circular economy

Overview

This event focuses on advancing the circular economy. It will demonstrate how research, innovation, and collaboration can help turn pilot initiatives into systemic, real-world impact, embedding circular principles across sectors and communities.

Through panel discussions, workshops and networking, you’ll explore how to turn circular ideas into scalable, commercially viable, and socially beneficial innovations.

After the event, you’ll have the opportunity to co-develop project ideas and apply for up to £5,000 in innovation funding to pilot your circular solutions.

For more information about the event or funding call, email b.malkani@ucl.ac.uk

Who it’s for

This event is open to:

• UCL academics, researchers and doctoral students from any discipline   
• SMEs, startups and other companies working in sustainability, materials innovation, manufacturing, or supply chain transformation
• Industry experts and policy professionals interested in circular economy applications

What to expect

This event will include:

• Panel discussion Chaired by Patrick Scally (Executive Director of The Loop) and featuring: 
  • Professor Mark Miodownik (Director, UCL Institute of Making)
  • Sophie Thomas (Co-Founder, The Great Recovery and Visiting Professor, UCL)
  • James Suckling (CEO, Are You Mad)
  • Kat Scott (Sustainability and Climate Change Officer, Hackney Council)
  • Lukas Gast (Lecturer in Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Infrastructure, UCL)
• Presentation on a UCL knowledge exchange project, in collaboration with The Loop, from Ro Hewlett (UCL)
• Circular economy workshop led by Studio Tip
• Networking lunch
• Information on funding to develop collaboration between UCL staff and companies

Funding opportunity

Following the event, UCL staff and doctoral students will be invited to submit collaborative proposals for the Circular Economy Innovation Challenge. You’ll be able to apply for up to £5,000 per project to test and develop your new circular economy solutions in partnership with an external organisations.

This funding call will open on 20 November and close on 16 January 2026.

Organisers

This event is organised by UCL Innovation & Enterprise in collaboration with The Loop. The Loop is a collaborative workspace and testbed for circular economy innovation in East London. The Loop provides space and support to pilot new approaches to material reuse, sustainable manufacturing, and community-driven enterprise.

Accessibility

If you have any accessibility requirements, please email b.malkani@ucl.ac.uk

Date and time

Thursday, 20 November 2025, 10am to 4pm.

Book your place

Entrance is free but places are limited. Early registration is advised as this event is expected to reach full capacity.

Book your place

Data protection

By registering for this event, you agree that your registration data will be shared between UCL and The Loop for the purposes of event management, follow-up communications, and collaboration opportunities arising from this event. Your data will be processed in accordance with UCL’s Privacy Policy.

Photo of The Loop © the Loop