NextCycle Colorado

Our next Technical Advisory Member highlight is Margery Brown, the Director of Strategy at the Colorado Circular Economy Development Center (CEDC). Margery brings over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, program development, financial planning, and operations management across various industries, including federal and municipal government, economic development, real estate, and technology. At the CEDC, Margery plays a crucial role in advancing business development in Colorado by fostering innovative, collaborative circular solutions. The CEDC is dedicated to helping Colorado’s businesses transition toward a more sustainable future, achieve maximum value from their products, and reimagine the relationship between our economy and the environment. Margery’s strategic vision and dedication to sustainability are driving forces behind the success of the CEDC and NextCycle Colorado. We’re proud to have her expertise guiding our program and look forward to the continued positive impact of her work. https://lnkd.in/gHTN4JN8 #TAC #NextCycleColorado #CircularEconomy #Circularity #Sustainability #Colorado #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #WasteReduction #Recycling #Recovery #Reuse #Design #Compost #Recycle #NextCycle #NextCycleColorado

Today we highlight another Technical Advisory Member, Dr. Kat Knauer, a senior researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Chief Technology Officer of the Bio-Optimized Technologies to keep Thermoplastics out of Landfills and the Environment (BOTTLE) Consortium. With a Ph.D. in polymer science and engineering, Kat has dedicated her career to tackling the global plastics pollution problem. Recently, Kat has been leading groundbreaking projects at NREL, including developing sustainable technologies to chemically upcycle existing plastic waste streams and designing new recyclable plastics. One of her notable projects involves studying how engineered bacterial strains can break down oxidized plastics in microgravity conditions on the International Space Station. Additionally, she has been instrumental in creating a chemical recycling pathway for hard-to-recycle film waste, transforming it into valuable materials like thermoplastic polyurethane for running shoes. Read more about Kat's work here: https://bit.ly/4a9lF0d. Kat’s innovative research and commitment to environmental sustainability make her an invaluable member of our NextCycle Colorado TAC! https://lnkd.in/gHTN4JN8 #TAC #NextCycleColorado #CircularEconomy #Circularity #Sustainability #Colorado #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #WasteReduction #Recycling #Recovery #Reuse #Design #Compost #Recycle #NextCycle #NextCycleColorado

Today, we’re excited to highlight another Technical Advisory Member for NextCycle Colorado, Carly Abrahamson, Partner and General Counsel at the Colorado Impact Fund. The Colorado Impact Fund is a venture capital fund dedicated to supporting Colorado companies that generate consistent investment returns alongside positive community outcomes. Since its inception in 2014, Carly has played a pivotal role in guiding the fund’s investments and legal strategies. Carly’s extensive experience in corporate, securities, and business law, combined with her passion for community impact, makes her an invaluable member of our TAC. We’re grateful for her contributions and excited to see the continued impact of her work with the Colorado Impact Fund. https://lnkd.in/gHTN4JN8 #TAC #NextCycleColorado #CircularEconomy #Circularity #Sustainability #Colorado #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #WasteReduction #Recycling #Recovery #Reuse #Design #Compost #Recycle #NextCycle #NextCycleColorado

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this year's NextCycle Colorado cohort! Today is the final day to submit your application and join a community of innovators dedicated to advancing Colorado’s circular economy. Whether your project focuses on sustainable design, reuse, repair, compost, recycling, or material recovery, we want to hear from you! Apply now and take the first step towards transforming your vision into reality. Let’s build a sustainable future together! Apply Here: https://lnkd.in/gHTN4JN8 #NextCycleColorado #CircularEconomy #Circularity #Sustainability #Colorado #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #WasteReduction #Recycling #Recovery #Reuse #Design #Compost #Recycle #NextCycle #NextCycleColorado

Today's TAC highlight is Jesse Stedman, Founder and CEO of Trash Panda Disc Golf. Jesse is an alumnus of the NextCycle Colorado program and has been growing his company steadily since participating. Trash Panda creates plastic disc golf discs from 100% recycled plastics, and continues to perfect the plastic formula and design. Jesse’s journey began in 2020 when he built a DIY injection machine in his garage to prototype the world’s first 100% recycled disc, sharing his progress on YouTube and Instagram. Since then, Trash Panda has recycled over 25,000 lbs of plastic, fostering a community dedicated to sustainable disc golf. Jesse is a steward of sustainability and an excellent example of using passion and creativity to propel post-consumer materials back into new and improved products. His innovative approach and commitment to environmental stewardship have made significant impacts in the recycling industry. https://lnkd.in/gHTN4JN8 #TAC #Alumni #NextCycleColorado #CircularEconomy #Circularity #Sustainability #Colorado #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #WasteReduction #Recycling #Recovery #Reuse #Design #Compost #Recycle #NextCycle #NextCycleColorado

Thinking about applying to NextCycle Colorado but have questions about the program or your project’s eligibility? We’re here to assist! Join our virtual office hours for personalized guidance from our project staff. These 20-minute sessions are tailored to help you: Navigate the application process Assess your business or project’s eligibility Discover the benefits of participating in NextCycle Colorado https://lnkd.in/gmMAZ38R #NextCycleColorado #CircularEconomy #Circularity #Sustainability #Colorado #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #WasteReduction #Recycling #Recovery #Reuse #Design #Compost #Recycle #NextCycle #NextCycleColorado

Final Call for NextCycle Colorado Applications! 🌟 We are in the last week of accepting applications for innovative projects that champion sustainable design, reuse, repair, composting, recycling, or material recovery. Review the application criteria to see if your venture qualifies and seize this incredible opportunity! https://lnkd.in/gHTN4JN8 #Apply #NextCycleColorado #CircularEconomy #Circularity #Sustainability #Colorado #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #WasteReduction #Recycling #Recovery #Reuse #Design #Compost #Recycle #NextCycle #NextCycleColorado

As we gear up for another exciting year of NextCycle Colorado, we want to shine a spotlight on our incredible Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). The TAC is the backbone of NextCycle, diligently reviewing applications and providing essential technical support throughout the program. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce Meghan Wiebe, our first highlighted member! Meghan serves as the Zero Waste Strategic Advisor for Boulder County and has been a champion of sustainable practices throughout her career. With her extensive knowledge of Colorado’s recycling end markets, Meghan continues to drive significant positive impacts in recycling and waste management across Boulder County and beyond. https://lnkd.in/gHTN4JN8 #TAC #NextCycleColorado #CircularEconomy #Circularity #Sustainability #Colorado #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #WasteReduction #Recycling #Recovery #Reuse #Design #Compost #Recycle #NextCycle #NextCycleColorado

NextCycle Colorado is looking for innovative projects that promote Colorado's circular economy. Whether you’re working with plastics, metals, textiles, organics, or other materials, we want to hear from you! Accepted teams will receive: Expert consulting Business plan development Funding connections Statewide recognition Submit your application by December 4, 2024, and help us build a sustainable Colorado! https://lnkd.in/gHTN4JN8 #NextCycleColorado #CircularEconomy #Circularity #Sustainability #Colorado #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #WasteReduction #Recycling #Recovery #Reuse #Design #Compost #Recycle #NextCycle #NextCycleColorado

Are you considering applying to NextCycle Colorado but have questions about the program or your project’s eligibility? We’re here to help! Join our virtual office hours for one-on-one guidance with our project staff. These 20-minute sessions are designed to help you: Understand the application process Determine if your business or project is eligible Learn more about the benefits of participating in NextCycle Colorado 🗓️ Sign up for a session today: https://lnkd.in/gmMAZ38R #NextCycleColorado #CircularEconomy #Circularity #Sustainability #Colorado #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #WasteReduction #Recycling #Recovery #Reuse #Design #Compost #Recycle #NextCycle #NextCycleColorado